Red Bulls Trade Sean Nealis to DC United For $350,000 in GAM

Julian de Guzman's roster rebuild of the Red Bulls chugged along on Thursday night as Tom Bogert of The Athletic revealed that former captain Sean Nealis is on his way to New York's oldest rival. As part of the transaction, RBNY will receive $350,000 in total GAM, starting with $200,000 in 2026 and then $150,000 in 2027.

Nealis, 28, has spent his entire professional career with RBNY. After being drafted out of Hofstra in 2019, the Massapequa, NY native would go on to play 187 matches in all competitions for the club across seven seasons (5th most all-time, 2nd among defenders). He is one of two players in RBNY history to score in MLS Cup.

Nealis was named captain of RBNY ahead of the 2023 MLS season by then-manager Gerhard Struber. The sturdy center back became the first NY-bred captain in club history.

However, upon the arrival of marquee signing Emil Forsberg, Nealis would give up the captain's armband and lead from the back without the title.

Nealis was joined by brother Dylan in 2022, who signed for New York from Nashville SC. The brothers were teammates for four seasons, often starting alongside one another for the Red Bulls backline.

Nealis was a stalwart for the Red Bulls defense between 2021 and 2024 especially, losing out minutes late in 2025 to fellow Long Islander Tim Parker.

This move follows earlier reports that indicated the Red Bulls would be looking to move on from the veteran defender to make room for new acquisitions.

When the trade is completed, midfielder Wiki Carmona will become the longest active serving member of the club, having been with RBNY since January 2021 (just eeking out Cameron Harper who signed in March 2021).