Marcelo Morales (foto: //)
Marcelo Morales joins New York Red Bulls from Universidad de Chile, with the Chilean club receiving $500,000 and retaining 30% of any future sale.
Marcelo Morales has been officially unveiled as the latest signing for New York Red Bulls in MLS. Although the defender’s contract with Universidad de Chile had expired, the Chilean club will still receive $500,000 from the transfer and retain 30% of any future sale.
"He’s a quality left-back who will be a great addition to our squad," said Julián de Guzmán, the Red Bulls' sporting director. "He’ll bring a lot to our defensive line, and we’re excited to have him working with our coaching staff," added head coach Sandro Schwarz. Morales has signed a three-year contract with the club.
The 21-year-old defender arrives in MLS after an impressive 2024 season in Chile, where he played 1,961 minutes in the Primera División and was a key figure in Gustavo Álvarez’s side, which battled for the title until the final day.
Throughout his time with Universidad de Chile, Morales made 96 league appearances, featured in 13 Copa Chile matches, and played one game in the Copa Libertadores, winning the 2024 Copa Chile as his only title.
New York Red Bulls highlighted Morales’ journey on their official site: “Born in San Miguel, Chile, Morales has been with Universidad de Chile since joining their academy at eight years old in 2011. After 13 years at his boyhood club, he’s now part of New York’s roster.”
Morales has also represented Chile at various youth levels, including the U20 and U23 squads, with eight appearances across both. He made his senior national team debut on October 11, 2024, in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Brazil, playing 25 minutes.
Morales played a total of 110 professional matches with Universidad de Chile, scoring two goals and providing 16 assists. His professional debut came on October 29, 2020, against Universidad de Concepción at just 17 years old.