RBNY Announces Signing of Colombian Center Back Julián Bazán From Deportivo Pereira

On Friday, Red Bull New York announced the signing of Colombian center back Julián Bazán from Liga DIMAYOR side Deportivo Pereira on a two-and-a-half-year MLS contract through the 2027-28 season with options for the 2028-29 season and 2029-30 season.

Bazán, 20, will be a U-22 Initiative player.

According to Pipe Sierra of AS Colombia (who was the first journalist to cover the move), the fee is reportedly in the range of $1.1 million, but RBNY's reports indicate that fee is undisclosed. The move is pending receipt of his P-1 visa.

Bazán has featured in seven of eight possible matches for Pereira through the early goings of the 2026 Colombian Primera A season. Since breaking through to the club's first team in 2024 at 18, Bazán has made 21 appearances and 15 starts.

At the international level, the 2005-born center back has featured 24 times for Colombia's U-20s, including six matches at the 2025 U20 World Cup that saw Los Cafeteros finish third.

When he finally suits up in RBNY's colors, he can be expected to fight for first-team minutes in the center of defense with Justin Che and Dylan Nealis, who have owned the position comfortably to this point of the 2026 MLS season. Veteran Tim Parker and newcomer Robert Voloder represent the depth options at manager Michael Bradley's disposal at the position.

RBNY Head of Sport Julian de Guzman said of Bazán, "We’re very pleased to add Julián to our club. He’s a player we’ve been tracking closely, and we believe his profile, work rate, and potential fit well with what we’re building. This is an important step in his development, and we’re excited to support his continued growth within our environment."

Bradley echoed a similar sentiment, saying, "Julián has earned this opportunity through his commitment and performances. He’s a player who is eager to learn, competes the right way, and understands the demands of our group. We’re looking forward to integrating him with the first team and helping him continue to progress."

It is unclear when Bazán will be available for RBNY given the uncertainty surrounding his visa, but the expectation is that he will be considered a first-team option moving forward. 

Empire Soccer Report Episode 12 is live!

In this episode of Empire Soccer Report, James Birle is joined by Daniel Rebain to discuss the latest squad news for Red Bull New York and their latest 6-1 loss to Charlotte FC. The lads also analyze the USMNT's upcoming friendly matches against Belgium and Portugal: