Red Bull New York send long-time defender Sean Nealis to DC United

Red Bull New York has completed a trade to send veteran center-back Sean Nealis to DC United, the team officially announced Monday.

The two sides had made headway last week, with sources confirming with amNewYork that a deal was close to being finalized on Thursday.

New York will receive roughly $350,000 in general allocation money (GAM) as new head of sport Julian de Guzman continues to make significant changes to a roster that missed the MLS playoffs for the first time in 16 years.

The Red Bulls will receive $200,000 in 2026 and $150,000 in 2027.

Within the last two weeks, the Red Bulls traded away star Scottish international winger Lewis Morgan to San Diego FC and midfielder Peter Stroud to Minnesota United. They have also brought in 22-year-old American winger Cade Cowell from Chivas de Guadalajara and right-back Justin Che from Brondby in Denmark.

Nealis, a Massapequa native who won a New York State title before starring at Hofstra University, has spent his entire professional career with the Red Bulls, making 187 appearances for the club. That ranks fifth-most in franchise history. He captained New York through the 2023 campaign before relinquishing responsibilities to veteran Swedish international and Bundesliga veteran Emil Forsberg.

Nealis scored New York’s lone goal in their 2-1 loss to the LA Galaxy in the 2024 MLS Cup Final, making him one of just two players in franchise history to score on that stage.

For more on Sean Nealis and Red Bull New York, visit AMNY.com