While Brayan Ceballos was one of the few bright spots of a disappointing 2025 campaign, the 2025 New England Revolution Defender of the Year could be on the move.
According to Colombian journalist Carlos Arturo Arango, Colombian club Independiente Sante Fe made an official offer that was rejected by the Revs. Arango added that New England could accept a loan deal if it included a mandatory purchase option.
Ceballos started 29 matches and scored a goal in 2025. According to his former club Fortaleza, he was acquired by the Revs for $1.8 million.
Analysis
If this deal was to go through, it would be a massive signal of intent from new head coach Marko Mitrovic. Ceballos is the best defender that New England has and losing him would be a massive loss.
New England has been acquiring a lot of young talent. Ethan Kohler could step in and replace Ceballos but that would be a massive gamble on a young player who is unproven in Major League Soccer.
While it is always good to cash in on a player when you can, losing Ceballos would take a dent in New England's ability to compete. A two-man backline of Mamadou Fofana and Kohler or a three-man backline that adds in Tanner Beason.
Ceballos won't gain a whole lot if the deal does end up just being a loan. MLS is currently at a higher level of play than in Colombia. Additionally, while it is unknown what conditions would be a part of the deal, it is hard to imagine he wouldn't trigger the mandatory purchase option.
All in all, this could be the signal that Mitrovic will look to mold the roster to his liking and aims to give playing time immediatley to young players. Additionally, it could signal that the team is undergoing a rebuild after Caleb Porter had the roster reconstructed to his liking. If New England is focused on getting younger and becoming even more of a selling club, the path to becoming an Eastern Conference contender could take a lot longer than expected.
