HARRISON, N.J. (March 12, 2025) – New York Red Bulls II have signed Red Bulls Academy defender Matthew Dos Santos to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract though the 2026 season, the club announced today. Dos Santos will join the first team on an MLS contract as a homegrown starting in 2027 through the 2029 MLS season with an option in 2030.
“We are excited to have Matty (Dos Santos) on our team” says Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya. “He is a two-way fullback that really impressed during preseason. We look forward to continuing his development.”
The defender began his time in New York as a nine-year-old in 2017, playing for the Red Bulls Pre-Academy team. He later graduated into the U-12 Academy group and has risen through the age groups since then, most notably being a member of the 2023 U-15 MLS NEXT Cup championship winning team.
Dos Santos joined Red Bulls II last season via academy agreement and made five appearances logging 47 minutes played. He made his MLS NEXT Pro debut on June 14, 2024, against New England Revolution II.
The defender made his first MLS NEXT Pro start in New York’s 2025 season opener against Atlanta United 2 on March 7.
TRANSACTION: New York Red Bulls II have signed Red Bulls Academy defender Matthew Dos Santos to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract though the 2026 season on March 12, 2025. Dos Santos will join the first team on an MLS contract as a homegrown starting in 2027 through the 2029 MLS season with an option in 2030.
