The New York Red Bulls completed a protracted move for Argentine attacking midfielder Alejandro "Kaku" Romero Gamarra on Friday.

Nearly two months after Buenos Aires outfit Huracan announced the two parties had agreed on a $6.25-million fee, Red Bulls confirmed the acquisition of the 23-year-old as the first Young Designated Player in club history.

That fee surpasses the club-record, $2.2-million signing of Gonzalo Veron in 2015. The Red Bulls declined Veron's option following the season, and he has since joined Independiente.

Formerly an Under-20 Argentina international, Kaku's move to New York was delayed as lawyers for the two sides quibbled over the finances. Finally sorted, Kaku joins 18-year-old Cristian Casseres Jr. as incoming first-teamers looking to fill the void left by Sacha Kljestan's move to Orlando City.

"When we identified Kaku, he quickly became our top offseason target," Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett said. "He fits the profile of the player we are looking for: highly skilled, creative, and hardworking. During our discussions, we realized that we are adding a good player and great young man to our team."