The New York Red Bulls have exercised a contract option to transfer Michael Amir Murillo from Panamanian side San Francisco FC, the club announced today. Murillo joined New York on loan in February.

"We are pleased to add Amir on a permanent basis," said Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. "He showed well and has made progress as a player during his time here. He is building on the positive qualities we saw when we were scouting him, and we look forward to him contributing to our success moving forward."

Murillo, 21, made 17 appearances in MLS after joining New York on loan. He scored two goals while playing both outside back and center back, and finished in the top five on the team in interceptions (41) and clearances (56). Murillo was a regular for Panama's national team in 2017 as the nation earned a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The defender is a native of Panama City. He graduated from San Francisco's youth academy to the senior team in 2014. He made 42 first team appearances and added three goals.