Cade Cowell is reportedly set to leave Chivas ahead of the Clausura 2026, with the club approving a one-year loan to the New York Red Bulls. The California-born winger returns to MLS after a difficult 2025 in Guadalajara, where minutes were scarce under manager Gabriel Milito. The move marks another step in Chivas’ roster overhaul following their early Apertura exit.
AFPCowell’s loan to New York
The Red Bulls moved quickly once the Liga MX club opened the door to negotiations to acquire Cowell on a year-long loan from Chivas. The deal, per ESPN, includes a priority purchase option should the MLS side choose to buy the 21-year-old winger in the future.
Although several MLS teams – including the San Jose Earthquakes, Cowell’s former club – expressed interest, the Red Bulls’ sporting plan proved the most convincing for both the player and the Guadalajara board.
The Red Bulls, who currently have an opening at their head coaching position, are reportedly leaning toward hiring their Red Bulls II coach and former USMNT star Michael Bradley.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportStruggles for playing time
The California-born attacker endured a difficult 2025 with the Rebaño. He logged just 489 minutes in the second half of the year and was left out of Gabriel Milito’s squad for multiple league matches. Even in the playoffs, Cowell was used sparingly, coming off the bench in the second leg against Cruz Azul only because of Armando González’s injury. That appearance might be his last in Red and White.
Getty Images SportPlayer’s preference and MLS interest
Cowell, who is expecting a child with his wife, has already begun preparing for life in New York and welcomed the opportunity to relaunch his career in MLS. For Chivas, he becomes the second confirmed outgoing player – following Mexico legend Javier Hernández, who will not be re-signed – as the club begins a significant roster overhaul after being knocked out in the Apertura 2025 quarterfinals.
Cowell has 11 caps with the U.S. national team.
Getty Images SportWhat comes next?he team is now on break and will reconvene in a couple of weeks at Verde Valle to officially begin their Clausura 2026 preseason, where more roster changes are expected.
