Red Bull New York has acquired defensive midfielder David Ruiz on loan from Inter Miami for the remainder of the 2026 season, with an option to purchase his contract. The transfer was confirmed shortly before the close of the summer window.
Ruiz, 22, joins a Red Bulls squad that currently occupies a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The team has faced challenges since the MLS regular season restarted after the World Cup break, securing only one victory. The club also experienced a pause in play during the Leagues Cup competition.
The Red Bulls' defense has been a point of concern, conceding 46 goals this season, the third-highest total in the Eastern Conference. Ruiz's arrival is intended to bolster the team's defensive capabilities.
However, Ruiz brings his own history of injury issues. These limited him to four MLS regular-season appearances during Inter Miami's championship run in 2025. He has played in nine matches for Inter Miami this season. When healthy, he is considered a talented defender.
The acquisition of Ruiz represents one of the club's few significant moves during the summer transfer window. The lack of substantial player movement has reportedly led to frustration among some of the team's supporters, who were heard chanting "Spend Some Money" during a recent loss.
Ruiz's transfer aligns with the club's ongoing strategy to shape the team according to the vision of head coach Michael Bradley and head of sport Julian de Guzman.