HANOVER, N.J. – If things break the right way, the New York Red Bulls might be closing in on a key addition or two…or three…in the next week or two.
It is no secret that the Red Bulls have needs, head coach Jesse Marsch underscoring on Sunday the much-belabored point that the team is targeting “attacking players and center backs.” But with the transfer window now several days old and no moves to date, the timing for some much-needed additions is creating consternation among fans.
Not to worry said Marsch in an interview with Metro New York on Sunday.
“It’s a combination of solidifying a few situations, figuring out some of the pieces. We have got our eye on a few things,” Marsch told Metro. “I would hope that there will be some announcements very soon.”
Things are beginning to line up for a series of moves. Earlier this month, reserve left back Justin Bilyeu was released from the MLS roster. Then this past weekend, forward Brandon Allen was loaned to Minnesota United, an expansion team in MLS.
Both moves free up salary cap space and roster spots, factors that coincide with allocation money that is top three in the league, per sources.
Minnesota has long craved Allen, with sources saying that they attempted to trade for him this offseason. Saying that the Red Bulls were trying to loan Allen rather than trade him, Marsch was pleased to give the productive forward on last year’s USL champions a taste of MLS action.
“We aren’t going to comment on reports. We just felt that given everything, that Brandon had been with the USL and had sort of outgrown that experience. It’s hard for him here with the attacking group that we have,” Marsch said. “So we thought of trying to find an opportunity, Minnesota was really interested in him so we’ll keep an eye on him, see how he does.
As per reports that Minnesota had an option in the loan to make the move permanent with a buy-on clause, Marsch spoke about how much the Red Bulls value Allen.
Red Bulls Notes
- Centerbacks Aurelien Collin and Damien Perrinelle did not play last Thursday in the U.S. Open Cup win over the New England Revolution at Harvard. The duo, both nursing injuries, were spared the unforgiving turf at Harvard’s stadium, used by the Revolution during this tournament.
- Both players could be ready to start on Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena against the San Jose Earthquakes. “We were thinking there’s a strong possibility that Wednesday will be ready and Damien as well,” Marsch said.
- On Friday, the Red Bulls signed Noah Powder to their USL squad. The 18-year old has been a regular with the U-17 national team of Trinidad & Tobago as well as their U-20 set-up.
