Kaku Romero to return to New York Red Bulls

On 1 February Alejandro Gamarra ‘Kaku’ Romero signed as a free agent with the Saudi Arabia first tier team Al-Taawoun FC. Since his move, he has made six appearances and scored three goals, but is now set to return to the New York Red Bulls ahead of the 2021 Major League Soccer season.

According to MLS Multiplex, the Red Bulls are now able to welcome ‘Kaku’ back to the club as soon as possible. The 26-year-old’s lawyers argued that because he was never given the notification of his contract extension with the MLS side that he was a free agent and therefore he was able to sign with the Saudi Arabian club in February.

The arbitrator in the case agrees with the Red Bulls that the notification was indeed made and that ‘Kaku’ is still under contract with them so he has to make it valid and return to Major League Soccer. After the arbitrator favored the Red Bulls, the team released an official statement regarding the case:

"We are pleased with the arbitrator’s finding that MLS’ unilateral option was effectively exercised by New York Red Bulls Sporting Director, Denis Hamlett, and that a valid contract exists between Kaku and Major League Soccer through December 31, 2021. With this decision, we now look forward to seeking further resolution, and will provide updates when appropriate during that process."

Kaku wants out

The 26-year-old has been wanting to leave Major League Soccer for some time now. In the beginning of 2020 it was rumoured that Club América wanted to sign him, but it was the Red Bulls who declined the offer from the Liga MX side. At the time he was frustrated when the negotiations went down and when he saw an opportunity to leave during the January transfer window he took it, but now he has to return to the Red Bulls.