Red Bulls: Only A Young DP

Do you hear that giant wooshing sound? That’s the sound of the collective sigh of relief coming from New York Red Bulls fans in response to the news that the club is only interested in designated players with plenty of years left in their careers.

All aging European stars looking for 1 last payday, take note: RBNY GM Erik Soler told me Red Bulls are looking 4 a YOUNG Designated Player

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) May 16, 2012

There’s been quite a lot of discussion lately of the rumors that Red Bull was in discussions with two Italian defenders departing AC Milan – fullback Gianluca Zambrotta and centerback Alessandro Nesta – 35 and 36, respectively. More recently, a harder-to-swallow rumor out of London had 28 year old striker Emmanuel Adebayor coming to New York to link back up with Thierry Henry. While 28 isn’t old, per se, Ives followed up his tantalizing tweet with another that would indicate Adebayor isn’t what Backe and Soler are looking for.

Impression I get is RBNY looking to land a quality young international target in early 20s to groom ala Fredy Montero. #WouldBeAGreatIdea

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) May 16, 2012

Interestingly, that would also cut Aston Villa’s Stephen Ireland out of the mix – already a well-developed (not to mention highly-paid) player at 25.