HARRISON, N.J. (September 18, 2026) – Red Bull New York sign Red Bull New York II winger Dennis Nelich to a one-and-a-half-year MLS contract as a homegrown through the 2027-28 season with options for the 2028-29, 2029-30, and 2030-31 seasons, the club announced today.
“We’re delighted to welcome Dennis to the first team. He’s a talented young winger with excellent attacking instincts and a bright future ahead of him,” said Head of Sport Julian de Guzman. “Dennis has earned this opportunity through his performances with our second team and we’re confident he can continue his development and contribute at the next level.”
Nelich, 18, has made two appearances with New York this season and made his MLS debut and first career start against LAFC on September 9. In the match, he recorded the 10th-most distance covered in MLS on Matchday 25 covering 12.25 km.
The Brighton, Beach, N.Y. native has spent the last two seasons with RBNY II scoring nine goals and tallying four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. The winger has taken MLS NEXT Pro by storm in 2026. Through 23 matches, he’s scored seven goals and provided six assists for a team high 13 goal contributions.
Nelich became the second-youngest player in RBNY II history to record a hat-trick at 18 years and 117 days old in New York’s 5-0 victory over Union II on June 28. The performance earned the winger MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek 17. The winger also featured in the club’s penalty kick shootout win against Colorado Rapids 2 in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final, subbing into the match in the 113th minute.
“Dennis has worked incredibly hard while training with our first team in this last period,” said Head Coach Michael Bradley. “His commitment, work ethic, and willingness to learn have been evident since day one. We’re excited to continue working with him, as he is a dynamic attacking player who will add quality and value to our squad.”
The 18-year-old attacker was named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 9 after scoring the match winning goal in New York’s 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union II on May 3.
TRANSACTION: Red Bull New York sign RBNY II winger Dennis Nelich to a one-and-a-half-year MLS contract through the 2027-28 season on September 18, 2026.
