Red Bull New York has completed the signing of American winger Cade Cowell from Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara on a one-year loan with an option to buy, a source tells amNewYork.
It is the first significant attacking signing under new head of sport, Julian de Guzman, and comes shortly after officially announcing the hiring of US soccer legend Michael Bradley as head coach.
Cowell, 22, is coming off a difficult 2025 campaign with Chivas, where playing time grew scarce, and production dried up with it. He recorded just a single goal and assist in 20 appearances across all competitions after recording 10 in 43 matches over the previous two seasons, which featured Liga MX Player of the Month honors in July of 2024.
He rose to prominence with the San Jose Earthquakes, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists in 114 matches for the MLS side before being purchased for $4 million by Chivas. All the while, he had broken into the United States men’s national team, making 11 appearances for the Stars and Stripes. The last one, however, came in November of 2024, early in Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as US head coach.
Cowell now joins a Red Bulls squad that is currently in transition, but claims to have a clear vision under de Guzman and Bradley. While the new head of sport has promised a more entertaining, attacking brand of soccer, Bradley will likely institute a 4-3-3 formation that will highlight the club’s attacking wealth — whenever that picture clarifies.
Former Bayern Munich star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is the anchor up front, while captain and Swedish international Emil Forsberg pulls the strings from the midfield. But the Red Bulls have traded away Scottish international Lewis Morgan to San Diego FC, who, when healthy, was one of the squad’s most valuable players. Peter Stroud was also dealt to Minnesota United. AmNewYork had learned of both transactions last week.
Cowell is expected to play a significant role in Bradley’s plans on the wing, working alongside Choupo-Moting, and he is likely to be the first domino to fall in addressing de Guzman and Bradley’s vision.
Should the partnership thrive, there is no reason why Cowell could not at least force his way back into the national team conversation, too. The only thing working against him is time, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil is just six months away.
RBNY signs Che
Addressing its depth issue within its back line, New York has also signed right back Justin Che from Brondby of the Danish first division on a three-year contract with an option for the 2029 season.
The 22-year-old was once a can’t-miss prospect of the US youth national team while with FC Dallas’ academy, but injuries have slowed his development. Following a loan spell with German powerhouse Bayern Munich’s academy, he made 15 MLS appearances with Dallas before moving to the second team of Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. After signing with Brondby three seasons ago, he proceeded to bounce around Europe on a pair of loans.
Still a young, moldable prospect, he is known for his ability to play out of the back, which jives with New York’s new style. He will likely compete for the significant minutes at right back with veteran Dylan Nealis.
“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.”
