Red Bull New York Look To Harness the Potential of Justin Che

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Red Bull New York Look To Harness the Potential of Justin Che

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 1:14 PM ET

Red Bull New York completed the transfer of defender Justin Che from Danish club Brondby IF on Tuesday for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old defender returns to Major League Soccer after he bounced around several European clubs following an impressive season for FC Dallas in 2021. He has signed a three-year contract with New York that runs through 2028 with an option for the 2029 season.

Che has mostly played right-back throughout his career, though he played at center-back and right wing during his youth. He has been handed the No. 2 shirt.

Newly-installed head coach Michael Bradley is excited by the pace, awareness and European experience that Che brings to the Red Bulls.

“Justin is an intelligent defender that has great speed and will help add to our backline this upcoming season,” Bradley said. “He has played a lot of minutes all across Europe and will be another great person to add to our roster to help our club accomplish its goals.”

Che Returns to MLS After Well-Travelled European Spell

FC Dallas defender Justin Che controls the ball during the match against Real Salt Lake at Toyota Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsKevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Che most recently made 15 appearances for Patro Eisden of the Belgian second division Challenger Pro League while on loan from Brondby.

“Justin is a versatile player that has vast experience both overseas and in MLS and we are pleased to have join our organization,” Red Bull New York head of sport Julian de Guzman said. “He is an exciting, young player that will bring energy to our team, and we are looking forward to seeing him with our group soon.”

Che made 10 appearances and scored one goal for the United States men's national under-20 soccer team between 2021 and 2023. During the 2023 U-20 World Cup, he helped the United States reach the quarterfinals.

He will compete for playing time at right-back with Dylan Nealis, who had an impressive 2025 season for the Red Bulls when deployed at right-back as well as center-back.

The Red Bulls are hoping that Che can play a part in helping the club return to the MLS Cup playoffs after missing out in 2025.

New York finished in 10th place in the Eastern Conference in Sandro Schwarz's final season in charge as head coach.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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