The secondary transfer window opened on July 7 and MLS NEXT Pro sides have taken notice, with clubs adding players to bolster their roster as the playoffs creep up on us all.
Here are the moves that have taken place so far, and with the window just opening, there’s sure to be more movement throughout the month.
SKC II announced the signing of academy products Edgar Bazan and Nati Clarke to MLS NEXT Pro contracts on July 8. Bazan has been a member of the academy since 2017 and Clarke since 2016.
Clarke, 17, was born in Ethiopia but raised in Topeka, Kansas. He joins SKC II to shore up their defense ahead of a late push towards a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Bazan, 16, has had success at the academy level and is ready to take his career further. Bazan helped lead the U-12 academy side to two National Championships in both the Generation Adidas Cup and Premier SuperCopa in 2019.
MNUFC2 announced the loan signing of attacking midfielder Sagir Arce from LIGA MX side Mazatlan Futbol Club.
Arce made his debut for the Loons in their match against St Louis CITY2 in week 16, coming off the bench. The 20-year-old has experience with the United States U-17 team and has competed in the LIGA MX Clausura, LIGA MX Apertura and the COPA MX with his parent club, Mazatlan FC.
RNY FC announced the signing of 16-year-old “youth team star” Brennan McDermott to a first-team contract. The defensive-minded midfielder joins from the team’s youth sector, RNY FC Youth, where he played for nine years with the club.
“We’re extremely proud of Brennan’s development over the years,” said MLS NEXT Academy Director Rory Charcolla. “He’s been with Empire since U7s, and these most recent opportunities with the RNYFC first team are just another step in his process.”
