TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Re-signings
The New York Red Bulls are bringing back a trio of faces from their 2019 squad for 2020, announcing Friday that forward Brian White, fullback Amro Tarek and goalkeeper Ryan Meara have been signed to new contracts.
White, 23, was the club's second-leading scorer last season, bagging nine goals while dishing out two assists in 1,345 minutes across 19 league appearances. That total made the Flemington, New Jersey, native and 2018 first-round MLS SuperDraft selection from Duke University the sixth-highest scoring American in MLS. Before moving to the first team, he appeared in 29 games for the club's USL affiliate New York Red Bulls II in 2018, scoring 11 goals.
“Brian proved last year that he has what it takes to be a goal scorer at this level,” said Head Coach Chris Armas. “Brian is an intelligent striker, works extremely hard, and has proven he can score goals. He will continue to grow and we are fortunate to continue the journey with him."
Tarek, meanwhile, made 19 starts for the Red Bulls in 2019, posting one goal and one assist across 1,477 minutes from his left back spot. The 27-year-old will stay with an MLS club for multiple seasons for the first time in his career, as he made just one appearance in a stint with Columbus Crew SC in 2016 before starting 19 games for Orlando City SC in 2018.
“Amro fit in well with our team from the start, and was solid when called upon last season,” said Sporting Director Denis Hamlett in a team release. “He’s a versatile defender, and his qualities fit well within our playing philosophy. Amro proved to be an important player for us and we’re pleased to extend his time with us into 2020 and beyond.”
Meara, an MLS veteran, has spent seven of the last eight seasons with the Red Bulls save for a 2015 campaign that he spent on loan with New York City FC. The 29-year-old backstop has mostly found himself in a reserve role behind stalwart Luis Robles, making just 23 MLS appearances in his career thus far, with 18 of those coming back in 2012. He could wind up in the mix for an expanded role in 2020, however, with Robles departing the club for Inter Miami CF.
