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The New York Red Bulls have signed 20-year-old Venezuelan midfielder Cristian Cásseres Jr. to a new multi-year MLS contract, the club announced Friday after he was named their defensive player of the year in 2019.
“We are very pleased to reach agreement with Cristian on a new contract,” Red Bulls dporting director Denis Hamlett said in a statement. “Cristian showed his importance to our team last season and we look forward to his continued growth and success this year and beyond.”
In his second season with RBNY, Cásseres made a strong impression in the central midfield, recording 34 tackles won, 29 interceptions and 165 recoveries. He finished 34th amongst all outfield players in MLS with 170 duels won, per Opta.
Offensively, he tallied three goals and four assists in 1,801 minutes over 23 matches played.
“I’m very happy to renew my contract with the New York Red Bulls, with this beautiful family that has been created by everyone that’s part of this team,” Cásseres said in a statement. “I’m glad to continue here with the team and will continue to give my all for them.”
Casseres has 26 youth international appearances for Venezuela since he first played for their U-17 squad. Most recently, he started all four matches in the 2020 CONEMBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament, and provided a game-winning assist against Ecuador to help Venezuela's U-23s to their only win.
“Cristian took a big step forward last season, and I’m happy he is rewarded with a new contract,” Red Bulls head coach Chris Armas. “Cristian has all the tools, physically and mentally, to continue to grow into an excellent player. He is fearless on the field and his worth ethic and determination to get better every day will continue to serve him and our club well.”
