The New York Red Bulls have announced the signing of Dru Yearwood, a 20-year-old central midfielder who last played for EFL Championship side, Brentford F.C.
For the 2017-18 and 2018-19 season, Yearwood played over 3,600 minutes in League One with Southend United, where he contributed five assists.
Back in 2018, the Red Bulls’ new midfielder became the first player born in the 21st Century to start for Southend’s first team.
Early on in 2019, Yearwood became the third 18-year-old player in the Blues’ history to reach 50 games.
At the time his former Head Coach, Chris Powell, praised him for having more games with the first team than the youth team. “To have more first team games than youth team games at 18 is some going,” said Powell. “If Dru keeps going at this rate he could end up playing about 1,000 games but he should be proud of getting to 50 games.”
Head Coach Chris Armas is excited to work alongside Yearwood. “Dru is a young, exciting central midfielder, a true competitor and ball-winner, qualities we know fit well in our style of play,” said Armas. “He’s 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.”
Yearwood’s arrival will provide depth to the Red Bulls’ midfield, which has seen Captain Sean Davis, Cristian Cásseres Jr. and Marc Rzatkowski participate in the 2020 season.
On August 5, 2019, Yearwood signed with Brentford F.C., where he made five appearances across all competitions. This week, Brentford fell short in the EFL Championship playoff final, losing 2-1 to Fulham.
Former Head Coach at Brentford F.C. Thomas Frank wished him all the best in his new challenge in MLS.
“We wish Dru all the best as he heads off for this new chapter in his career. There has been really tough competition in our midfield this season and this is an opportunity for him to play games at a great club. Dru has all the attributes needed to enjoy a successful career as a dynamic, box to box, midfielder,” said Frank. “Sometimes in football players find their pathways blocked and need a new start; we wish Dru all the best with this great opportunity in New York.”
Yearwood joins Mandela Egbo as the two English players in our current squad.
