After parting ways with defender Markus Holgersson, the Red Bulls have made adding a veteran centerback an offseason priority. It looks like they’ve done just that, reportedly set to sign Spanish defender Armando Lozano.
Diario Cordoba first reported the Red Bulls’ initial offer to the 29-year-old defender, and Sunday the same outlet said he has torn up his deal with second-division Spanish side Cordoba and will ink a two-year contract in New York.
After the Red Bulls bypassed several highly rated centerbacks in Thursday’s MLS Superdraft in Philadelphia to select right back Chris Duvall with the 22nd pick and left-sided player Eric Stevenson at No. 34, coach Mike Petke admitted it was a sign that they were close to acquiring Lozano.
“I think you could easily read into that and justified to do so,’’ Petke said.
Lozano was conspicuously absent from Cordoba’s 18-man roster this weekend, and didn’t make their last trip to face SD Ponferradina. Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh had confirmed the team’s pursuit of Lozano some time ago, and it appears to have paid off.
Jamison Olave and Ibrahim Sekagya are expected to be the Red Bulls’ starting centerbacks, with 18-year-old Matt Miazga the only other centerback on the roster and the team set to compete in not only MLS and the U.S. Open Cup, but the CONCACAF Champions League as well. Lozano – who played 28 games last season in Spain and eight more this season – should see plenty of opportunities.