Fernandez Signs First Professional Contract After Two Years with Wake Forest
HARRISON, N.J. (January 26, 2019) – The New York Red Bulls have signed Academy Product and midfielder Omir Fernandez to a Homegrown Contract, the club announced today. Fernandez played with the Red Bulls Academy before spending the last two seasons at Wake Forest.
“On behalf of everyone at the organization, I’d like to welcome Omir to the First Team,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “Omir is a talented young player that has proven he can excel with the academy, in the college game, and with U.S. Youth National Teams. He has earned this opportunity and we look forward to his continued growth as a professional. This is a proud moment for Omir, his family, and Red Bulls Academy.”
Fernandez earned his first call-up for the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team U-20s this winter following his sophomore season at Wake Forest. After a strong freshman year as a super-sub for the Demon Deacons, the Bronx, New York, native started 20 of the team’s 21 matches with career bests in goals (12) and assists (6) in 2018. In two seasons for Wake Forest, Fernandez recorded 18 goals and 11 assists, including six game-winning goals, in 44 matches.
Prior to his U-20 call-up, Fernandez was called into the U-18 MNT during his time with the Red Bulls U-16 team, where he tallied 20 goals in 24 US Soccer Development Academy matches. In two seasons with Red Bulls Academy before heading to Wake Forest, he recorded 42 goals in 56 games.
“We have followed Omir closely and are pleased to add him to the First Team,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Chris Armas. “He is a talented player and also a humble person with high character. He understands our style of play and also attacks with creativity and intelligence.”
Fernandez, 19, is currently with the Red Bulls for preseason camp at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He becomes the 21st Homegrown signing in club history, and the 23rd Red Bulls Academy product to sign with the First Team. In 2018, Red Bulls Academy products accounted for over 11,000 minutes, or more than 26% of all minutes played as the club claimed the 2018 Supporters’ Shield, a ninth-consecutive playoff berth, and reached the semifinals of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.
Transaction: New York Red Bulls Sign Omir Fernandez to a Homegrown contract on January 26, 2019.
Omir Fernandez
Position: midfielder
Height: 5’9
Date of Birth: Feb 8, 1999
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Place of Birth: Bronx, N.Y.
Citizenship: USA
