Celades Signs, Defense Continues Facelift

By: Dave Martinez | March 11th, 2009

As you may have heard, Real Madrid and Barcelona veteran, Albert Celades, has signed on with Red Bull, continuing a massive makeover of the Bulls center back/central midfield look. Celades has spent his career as a defensive midfielder. The Bulls may look at him for both the CDM and CB roles. With this years expected activity (including domestic tournaments), it will always be handy to have a player with the versatility to fulfill both roles if and when called upon. Especially one that can play both well.

Celades joins days after Alfredo Pacheco was signed on (not yet made official by MLS). And after this offseasons activities, it is safe to say that Coach Osorio has now put his mark on the Red Bulls squad he inherited a little over a year ago. In a little over 6 months, Osorio has signed on Matthew Mbuta, Jorge Rojas, Juan Pietravallo, Mac Kandji, Dominic Oduro (cheap too!), Alfredo Pacheco, Mike Petke and now, Albert Celades. This is what was expected when he began his coaching tenure last season. It just took a little while to kick in.

Its been a long offseason, and Carlos Johnson may still be on the way (according to Ives of course). How are you feeling heading into the season?

UPDATE:

The Red Bulls have traded away some allocation money for (yes) another International slot. Carlos Johnson anyone? (Thanks to RBR as always)