The Red Bulls appointed Jerome de Bontin as their new general manager. The experienced investment man will oversee the club’s business operations and replace GM/Sporting Director Erik Soler, who stays on as an internal advisor.
De Bontin was president of AS Monaco from early 2008 to the spring of 2009. Gérard Houllier, named head of global soccer for the Red Bulls in June, will oversee the entire global product.
But these developments beg the question of how safe coach Hans Backe’s job will be if the league’s most expensive team fails to win the MLS Cup.
De Bontin is chairman of the development committee and member of the investment committee of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The Amherst College graduate is the director of Sustainability Investments LLC and Mekar Financial Services. In short, he’s a money man, and with Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Tim Cahill on the roster, he will expect a return on investment.
In other news, Backe said English striker Luke Rodgers may apply for a visa on his own in hopes of returning to the Red Bulls.
brian.lewis@nypost.com