TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The New York Red Bulls have acquired English midfielder Dru Yearwood from Brentford FC, the club announced Wednesday. Yearwood will be added to the roster as a Young Designated Player.
Yearwood, 20, was called into the England U-18 national team squad in 2018 and has made 66 professional appearances with Southend, then Brentford since his debut in 2017 at age 17.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I’d like to welcome Dru,” Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell said in a club statement. “Dru is a talented young player that already has a good amount of senior team appearances. He is mature beyond his years and made a great impression upon us during the interview process. We look forward to Dru joining us, continuing to grow, and being a part of what we are trying to achieve moving forward.”
A central midfielder, Yearwood broke through with League One's Southend and had seven assists across 61 appearances with the club. He joined Championship side Brentford ahead of the 2019/20 season, which just wrapped on Tuesday with Brentford falling in the EFL Championship promotion playoff to Fulham. Yearwood struggled to find time with his new club, making just two appearances off the bench in the league with a further three matches played in cup competitions.
“Dru is a young, exciting central midfielder, a true competitor and ball-winner, qualities we know fit well in our style of play,” head coach Chris Armas said. “He’s also an intelligent player who brings intensity and passion every time he steps on the field. Dru is enthusiastic about the opportunity and we’re excited to get him integrated into our team.”
The signing marks the Red Bulls' first of the summer, with the transfer window officially opening next week. The Red Bulls had a DP slot open after winger Josh Sims returned to Southampton after his loan ended in June.
