Red Bulls Sign Wilman Conde

by Matt Coyne on Jan 30, 2026 12:25 PM EST in Club News

The stock description tells me this is from a game against DC in 2010. A game the Fire won 2-0. Hopefully Conde can contribute to a few good United beat downs in 2012.

One of the sentiments repeated readily over the course of the off-season by the Red Bulls' front office was the need to strengthen the team through the middle. And if Hans Backe is right, newly signed centerback, and 2009 MLS Best XI selection, Wilman Conde should fit that role to a T.

Backe told the Post...

I almost rate him as the best centerback in the league; physical, phenomenal left foot, good in the air, tackles, good understanding of the game, experienced. I think that is absolutely a player that has almost everything.

Quite high praise for a guy who will be filling in for recently departed Tim Ream.

Conde, a Colombian international, finally gets his wish in playing for the Bulls after the Chicago Fire refused to let him follow Juan Carlos Orasco to New York in 2008. He played in Chicago in 2009 and 2010 before jumping to Atlas de Guadalajara for 2011. He has only appeared in 13 games that year due to injury and managerial change. He terminated his contact with the club prior to the start of the 2012 season.

Back on Jan. 12, Big Apple Soccer reported the Bulls had acquired Conde's rights.

The Fire will receive allocation money for their troubles.

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Read More: Tim Ream (DEFENDER - Bolton), Hans Backe (HEAD COACH - New York Red Bulls), Chicago Fire, New York Red Bulls

Comments

Almost

“I almost rate him as the best centerback in the league…” classic Backe-speak. Winter is almost my favorite season, after Fall, Summer, and Spring.

For the price New York is reportedly coughing up in allocation money and salary, Conde better be a dominant centerback for the club for the foreseeable future. Or maybe just midseason trade bait for another midfielder?

by Dan Ferris on Jan 31, 2026 8:42 AM EST reply actions

Great Signing.

Before moving to New York I followed the Fire, and I often thought Conde was the second best player on the pitch for them after Blanco. He’s extremely strong and tenacious, a very good tackler, and makes good decisions. Moreover, he’s one of the only other MLS CBs who’s as good a distributor out of the back as Ream was.

by Whelk on Jan 31, 2026 4:56 PM EST reply actions

From what I heard from Fire supporters

Is that his form when he left the Fire was dire. Granted, I haven’t looked into his form in Mexico pre-injury, but should we expect him to return to his 2009 self?

Staff Writer at Once a Metro. Yankees/Giants/Rangers/Fulham

by Matt Coyne on Feb 1, 2026 10:25 AM EST up reply actions