It appears that the heart of the New York Red Bulls defense will be getting an overhaul this offseason with at least two veteran players along the backline not looking likely to return.
Sources tell Metro New York that defenders Damien Perrinelle and Gideon Baah will not be picked up heading into 2018. Perrinelle, a longtime stalwart at center back, has 65 appearances and 56 starts since joining the Red Bulls in 2014. A fan favorite, the source said that Perrinelle has been offered a scouting position within the organization should he decide to retire.
It is believed that Perrinelle will explore other options to continue his playing career first before mulling over any opportunities with the team’s front office. Ironically, Perrinelle had two of his best performances of his MLS career in the Eastern Conference semifinals, putting in two dazzling displays despite the Red Bulls losing the series.
As for Baah, it is a disappointing end to his Red Bulls career. Signed last year, the 26-year old center back played just nine games last year before breaking his leg, an injury that ended his season. He spent the entirety of this year rehabbing the injury, playing just a handful of matches with the New York Red Bulls II in the USL.
Sources tell Metro that the Red Bulls currently have three center backs on the roster as Aurélien Collin, Aaron Long and Panamanian international Fidel Escobar are all expected to return for the 2018 season.
