Hijacked: Bristol City Set To Sign RBNY Defender Noah Eile & More

Red Bulls star center back Noah Eile will not be headed to Denmark, but could instead be moving to EFL Championship side Bristol City.

Fabrizio Romano was the first to report the move, with amNY's Joe Pantorno confirming the imminent transfer early Saturday morning. If the move is completed, he will be playing under former RBNY manager Gerhard Struber (2020-2023) at Ashton Gate Stadium.

While an agreement has not been announced, the transfer is reportedly close and the former Swedish youth international center back has accepted the move. 

This news comes after reports from outlet Tipsbladet that the 23-year-old was close to joining Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland, but it appears the player and New York both prefer the move to the Championship instead.

The deal is for a reported $4.2 million, a significant premium over the roughly $1.03 million it cost New York to purchase Eile from Swedish club Malmö FF in 2024 and likely more than would have been attained from Nordsjælland.

Currently, Bristol are 10th in the Championship table on 43 points, four points from the final promotion playoff position in sixth, currently held by Wrexham. 

The move leaves New York with just two natural center backs in Tim Parker and free agent signing Robert Voloder, although right backs Justin Che and Dylan Nealis can provide additional cover in the position. Likewise, it opens up a U-22 Initiative spot, with forwards Wiktor Bogacz and Dennis Gjengaar occupying the other two spaces.

The 2026 MLS season starts in three weeks on Feb. 21 when RBNY faces Orlando City S.C.

New York will play their next preseason match on Saturday at 1PM when they take on Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship in East Hanover.

RBNY II Collects Two More International Roster Spots, the Club Announced Friday

On Friday, RBNY II announced that the MLS Next Pro club had procured two more international roster spots in a trade from San Jose Earthquakes II, bringing their total up to 12 on the season.

The deal was for an undisclosed fee.

RBNY II Announces 2026 Preseason Camp in Panama

On Friday, RBNY II announced its preseason plans, including a trip to COS Sports Plaza in Panama City between Feb. 17-23.

It's the club’s first international weeklong camp, to be hosted by Liga Panameña de Fútbol club CD Plaza Amador. Currently, RBNY has several players produced by Plaza Amador, including defender Omar Valencia, winger Rafael Mosquera and RBNY II forward Mijahir Jimenez.

In a statement to media, new RBNY II Head Coach Dominik Wohlert said, "We’re excited for the opportunity to hold our preseason camp in Panama and would like to thank CD Plaza Amador for hosting us. Training in a different environment allows our players to grow on and off the field, build strong relationships, and continue their development as we prepare for the season ahead."

While in Panama, RBNY II will play two preseason matches against Liga Panameña opposition, with the first on Feb. 19 vs Tauro FC and the second against Plaza Amador on Feb. 22. 

The club's first match of the 2026 MLS Next Pro season will be Sunday, Mar. 1 at MSU Soccer Park vs Columbus Crew 2.

RBNY Head of Sport Julian de Guzman Inducted Into Canada Soccer Hall of Fame

On Saturday, Canada Soccer announced that Red Bull New York Head of Sport Julian de Guzman will be inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026. He will receive the honor alongside former CANWNT forward Dr. Melissa Tancredi.

De Guzman, 44, played professionally between 2000-2016, most notably for Hannover 96, Deportivo La Coruña and Toronto FC. As a full international, the Toronto native earned 89 caps for Canada's men's national team and captained the side 25 times, being named Canada Soccer Player of the Year in 2007 after earning CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP honors in the same year. 

At the club level, de Guzman was named Deportivo La Coruña player of the year in 2008 and became the first ever Canadian Designated Player in MLS history when he signed for TFC in 2009.

In a statement to media, Canada Soccer President Peter Augruso said, "Beyond their on-field achievements, Julian and Melissa served as ambassadors for the game, inspiring teammates, supporters, and role models to the next generation of Canadian players. Their legacies extend well beyond results, leaving an enduring impact on the culture, credibility, and ambition of Canadian soccer. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their remarkable careers and to the leadership, character, and lasting legacy they leave behind."

De Guzman and Tancredi will be honored at a Men's and Women's Canadian national team match later this year.

Empire Soccer Report Episode 4 is live!

In the latest episode of Empire Soccer Report, James Birle is joined by Luca Richman of @rbny.xp on Instagram. With the Red Bulls preseason underway, James and Luca analyze the reported signing of Ethan Horvath, the first two matches of preseason and take a look at the latest roster moves. All this and more: