Red Bull New York II Signs Costa Rican Starlet Akheem Wilson
- Daniel Rebain
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season is fully underway at Red Bull New York II with a 4-2 victory over Columbus Crew II Sunday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Red Bull II has had a busy offseason, bringing in numerous new faces, and the team isn't done adding under new head coach Dominik Wohlert.
On March 7th, Red Bull New York II announced the signing of winger Akheem Wilson on loan from Deportivo Saprissa of the Costa Rican first division.
The 18-year-old Limón native signed a one-year MLS Next Pro contract through the 2026 season with a purchase option. Kevin Jiménez first reported the news back on New Year's Eve.
Labeled as the next generation's "Joel Campbell", Wilson is one of the biggest prospects in the highly regarded Saprissa academy. Since joining from his local club in 2018 as an eleven-year-old, Wilson has climbed the ranks not only at his club, but for "Los Ticos".
Last season, the Costa Rican starlet made his first-team breakthrough in August at 17. Wilson made his Primera División debut coming off the bench against AD Municipal Liberia. In the following game, Wilson came off the bench again in a 4-0 victory over Sporting FC.
All in all, Akheem Wilson played just twenty-two minutes, but he got his feet wet in the first division. However, that was the last time Wilson played for the Saprissa first team. He would go on to spend the rest of the Apertura with the U20's.
The news wouldn't be all bad for Wilson, who was called up to the Costa Rican U20's for the first time in November. Wilson would make one appearance in the two games against the US U20's, coming off the bench in a 2-1 loss on November 11th in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.
With the promotions of Rafeal Mosquera and countryman Andy Rojas to the first team this winter, Wilson will be a welcome addition for Dominik Wohlert.
“Akheem is an exciting young attacker that has dynamic dribbling abilities and athleticism,” Head Coach Dominik Wohlert said. “We are excited to have him join our front line and contribute to our attack.”
Wilson is currently the only out-and-out winger on the second team's roster. Expect him to have an immediate impact in the starting XI for Wohlert. After turning 18 last month, Wilson will have every opportunity to impress first-team head coach Michael Bradley and the rest of the Red Bull brass in attendance at Montclair State University this season.
The Red Bulls now have 13 players under professional contracts for the 2026 season.
