Glen Cove, N.Y. native Mike Grella (center) will have to search for a new MLS club for 2018. (Eric Bolte/USA TODAY Sports)
The Red Bulls are saying adios to 10 players, although two could return to the Major League Soccer club for 2018.
On Monday, they declined to exercise options on defenders Sal Zizzo and Gideon Baah, midfielders Mike Grella, Dilly Duka, Dan Metzger, Arun Basuljevic, Vince Bezecourt and Zeiko Lewis and forwards Gonzalo Veron and Brandon Allen.
Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett said the team was negotiating to keep Veron and Bezecourt for next season.
“We know how much we ask of our players, and these guys have all given a lot to the club during their time here,” Hamlett said, referring to the eight other players. “We thank them for their service, and wish them the best moving forward.”
The contract of center back Damien Perrinelle expired after last season.
New York exercised contract options on eight players.
Those players included captain and Sacha Kljestan, defender-midfielder Connor Lade, defender Aaron Long, midfielders Danny Royer, Sean Davis, Derrick Etienne, Jr. and goalkeeper Evan Louro. The Red Bull also completed the transfer of Panamanian international defender Michael Amir Murillo from San Francisco FC (Panama).
Twelve players already were under contract for 2018 with the roster at 20.
Red Bulls roster
Goalkeepers: Evan Louro, Ryan Meara, Luis Robles
Defenders: Aurelien Collin, Fidel Escobar (on loan), Connor Lade, Kemar Lawrence, Aaron Long, Michael Amir Murillo, Hassan Ndam
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sean Davis, Derrick Etienne, Jr., Felipe, Muhamed Keita, Sacha Kljestan, Alex Muyl, Danny Royer
Forwards: Bradley Wright-Phillips, Anatole Abang (out on loan)
