by DAVE MARTINEZ

The reports are true: the New York Red Bulls did indeed chase the signature of sister-club Leipzig defender Tim Sebastian.

As reported early Thursday morning, that chase was not a fruitful one.

However, it certainly came close to fruition.

Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis and Head Coach Jesse Marsch addressed the situation surrounding Sebastian during MLS SuperDraft festivities.

“We had an interest in Tim Sebastian. I think he had an interest in coming here but in the end, he found a situation at Paderborn which will be very good for him,” Marsch said. “We are always trying to figure out with our subsidiaries in Leipzig and in Salzburg how to have a good relationship and share resources, and if that means players, that’s great too.”

The usually reserved Curtis was uncharacteristically open about the club’s overtures as well. “I would probably be a little bit more open about this than I am other players ’cause he is a guy that is kind of within our family, but we did have an interest in Tim,” Curtis acknowledged. “[He is a] talented player that really wasn’t playing as much at Leipzig right now.

“At the end of the day, I don’t think it’s going to be a situation that works out. He is going to move on and we wish him the very best.”

Despite their failings in securing the veteran centerback, both Marsch and Curtis came away with a positive outlook on the experience, particularly as it pertains to future synergy within the Red Bulls’ global construct. Marsch said the deal proves the “potential of sharing players in the future.”

Curtis added, “I talk regularly to all the guys at Salzburg, Leipzig and Brazil,” and explained that the Sebastian deal was part of that synergy.

“Looking at [Leipzig], it seemed like a situation that might make sense. End of the day, it didn’t work out.”