HARRISON, NJ. (July 27, 2017) – The New York Red Bulls have finally broken through in the transfer market. A much needed addition to the back line is incoming. The 22-year-old Fidel Escobar has been linked with a move to New York the past couple of weeks. The move will provide the team depth for a defense that has struggled to stay healthy.
New York Red Bulls To Sign Panamanian Center Back
Escobar currently plays for Sporting 89 San Miguelito in the top Panamanian league. He scored one goal in 14 league appearences. Additionally, Escobar notched one goal for the Panama National Team in a World Cup Qualifier last November. The natural CB also has some experience as a defensive midfielder, but will certainly be used by RBNY in the back. Injuries to Aurelien Colin and Connor Lade, as well as frequent minor knocks to Damien Perrinelle have depleted the Red Bulls defense. If RBNY continue to play with five defenders they will need at least three healthy centerbacks, making this acquisition a necessity.
Escobar is worth around $150,000 in the transfer world according to Transfermarkt. This fits the philosophy Red Bulls fans have come to know in the Jesse Marsch era.
MLS traditionally takes their time to announce any transfers incoming or outgoing. Therefore, it is to be expected that nothing had been made official on Escobar yet, but there is plenty of proof that the deal is as good as done. Kristian Dyer reported on the 22nd of July that the deal was coming together:
For those curious, Fidel Escobar is in town and has had his obligatory medical. Things lining up for move to #RBNY
— Kristian Dyer (@KristianRDyer) July 22, 2017
Now, four days later, multiple Panamanian news outlets have released official stories on the move. One networks Twitter account posted a photo of Escobar in the Red Bulls locker room in full training gear; a Tweet that has since been deleted. This is the picture originally tweeted by El Marcador TV:
The tweet has been deleted… but anyway…
Our new CB. #29, Fidel Escobar #RBNY pic.twitter.com/Yrnex1dSIb
— Jerzyiroc (@Jerzyiroc) July 26, 2017
Further proof lies in headlines such as “Fidel Escobar es oficialmente nuevo jugador del New York Red Bulls” from Panamanian football sites. It’s safe to say Red Bulls fans can start to become accustomed to CB #29 Fidel Escobar on the lineup sheet. Expect an announcement soon after the Gold Cup concludes.
Source: Fidel Escobar – market value progress | Transfermarkt
Source: Fidel Escobar es oficialmente nuevo jugador del New York Red Bulls
