Rumor: RBNY Interested in Ecuadorian Center Back Diogo Bagüí

With multiple center backs shipped away from Red Bull New York this offseason, Head of Sport Julian de Guzman has been tasked with bringing in more reinforcements into the position.

Having signed free agent center back Robert Voloder in early January, the club is still thin at the position. 

On Saturday, the latest rumor comes out of Ecuador, with reports from Latin American outlet Bolavip suggesting that New York is in talks to sign 20-year-old center back Diogo Bagüí from Club Sport Emelec on a free transfer.

Joe Pantorno of amNY confirmed New York's interest in the player, but revealed that no deal is on the table as of now.

Bagüí, 20, has featured in 56 matches across all competitions for Emelec and is considered one of the top young center backs from Ecuador. 

Bagüí has been out of contract with Emelec since the end of 2025 and nearly completed a move to Club Tijuana of LigaMX but the transfer did not materialize. He has reportedly drawn additional interest from clubs in Ecuador, including top LigaPro outfits Barcelona SC and LDU Quito, an unnamed Italian club and MLS's LA Galaxy.

At the international level, Bagüí captained the Ecuador U-20's on two occasions.

If the move to New York progresses, Bagüí could be a real candidate to challenge for serious playing time at the center back position but would likely have to work his way into the lineup behind Tim Parker and Voloder. 

As of now, Voloder and Parker are the only natural center backs contracted to RBNY's first team, although right backs Justin Che and Dylan Nealis have experience playing in the center of defense as well.

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