Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence reportedly has sparked interested from French clubs Bordeaux and Nice. (Photo courtesy of MLS)
Playing in England might be out of the question for Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence, but there are other options open to him.
MSG Networks’ Kristian Dyer reported Wednesday that the Jamaican international has two French Ligue 1 teams interested in his services — Bordeaux and Nice, according to sources.
Lawrence has been outstanding for the Red Bulls the past two seasons, raising interest overseas. However, since Jamaica is not in the top 50 of FIFA’s ranking, it makes it more difficult for players such as Lawrence to play in England, whether it is in the Premier League or The Championship.
“He may not be heading to the Premier League or The Championship like we thought,” Dyer said on the Red Bulls’ pregame show. “There seems to be other options for Kemar Lawrence. He has one year left with the team on a three-year contract and a club option for 2019. Interesting to see how this one plays out.”
Lawrence played a vital role for the Reggae Boyz’ success in the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, scoring the game-winner to lift Jamaica to a stunning 1-0 upset of Mexico in the semifinals.
Dyer also reported that midfielder Mike Grella could be back for the playoffs. Grella, who was playing with an injured knee and underwent surgery in July, has recuperated quite quickly. He could be able to play in play in late October or November, assuming the Red Bulls reach the post season.
“When Mike Grella got his surgery in July, a lot of people had thought that this was going to be the end of the season for him,” Dyer said. “Well, it turns out he’s on pace right now and depending on how things play out in the playoffs for Mike Grella, he just might be able to be on the bench. Think about him in those 1 v 1 opportunities on the wing when he’s isolated. He can really be a spark. Right now, depending on how things play out, he just may be available for this playoff team down the stretch.”
In early July, Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch talked shutting down Grella for the season.
“So, we knew that in the back of our minds that the six-month surgery was always going to be there, if need be,” he said. “We were trying to avoid it as much as we can. That was a decision we had to make and we’re very confident that Mike will make a full recovery.”
