The New York Red Bulls and defender Dylan Nealis have agreed to a new three-year contract, the team announced on Thursday, keeping him at the club through the 2027 season with an option for 2028.
Mostly utilized as a right back this season, the Long Island native has continued to take on a prominent role with eight starts across the team’s first 10 matches of the MLS campaign, posting one assist.
“We are very excited to keep Dylan at the club for the long-term,” Red Bulls head of sport Jochen Schneider said. “Dylan has enjoyed a great start to the season and has showcased to be a very important member of our roster.”
His 2023 season was derailed when he suffered a core muscle injury in early June that required surgery and held him out for over three months. Upon his return, he came off the bench in eight of his final nine appearances.
Regardless of the injury issues, the 25-year-old and the Red Bulls agreed on a one-year deal that carried through the 2024 season. This deal, however, solidifies him as a member of New York’s backline for the foreseeable future.
The third-overall pick of the MLS SuperDraft in 2020 was acquired in a trade from Nashville SC in 2022 — his versatility immediately becoming invaluable for New York. He made a career-high 20 starts in 28 appearances (1,800 minutes) in his first year with the team, adding two assists.
“Dylan has been an important member of our backline this season,” head coach Sandro Schwarz said. “He has proven to be a leader in our group, and we are happy to keep him on our roster for the years to come.”
