Real Salt Lake Re-Acquires Jefferson Savarino
May 4, 2022, 9:06 PM
Steve Griffin, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake has officially signed Jefferson Savarino, confirming reports that had been circulating about the forward over the last week.
The club confirmed the move Wednesday in a press release and on social media.
“Bringing Jefferson back to Salt Lake has been an exciting process in recent months – obviously we have great memories of him here representing our badge, our colors, our community, and certainly sparking our attack,” RSL general manager Elliot Fall said in a release.
Let’s run it back. pic.twitter.com/BQFildSOTX
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 5, 2022
“During his time in Brazil over the last couple years, Jefferson has matured as a player and as a person. We expect him to provide even more danger as a playmaking and finishing option for RSL, and look forward to him combining with so many pieces on the roster. Our club could not be more elated to welcome Jefferson and his family back to Utah.”
Savarino had been with Brazilian Serie A side Atletico Mineiro and joins Real Salt Lake as a Designated Player through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026.
The club moved into the top spot in the Major League Soccer allocation ranking, clearing the way for the acquisition.
Real Salt Lake completed trades with FC Cincinnatti and Austin FC to move into the top spot to acquire Savarino via the top spot in the allocation ranking, moves that totaled $475,000 in General Allocation Money across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
“My family and I have long anticipated a return to Utah;” Savarino said in a release. “ We have great memories of the fans, the community, the stadium and of course my teammates. I am told that our locker room is very much together, very tight-knit, and that the club is poised for success.
Our designer says you're welcome. pic.twitter.com/gnq84lKZaK
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 5, 2022
“I look forward to meeting Pablo Mastroeni in person and working with him and the entire staff, as my friend Damir has shared with me wonderful things. I am grateful to Elliot, the new owners and everyone who helped make this move back to Real Salt Lake happen. I am focused on scoring goals and creating excitement and doing absolutely whatever it takes to bring trophies and success to Utah.”
Next Match
Real Salt Lake travels to Nashville SC next weekend. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 8.
As always, the match will be available to stream via the KSL Sports and KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.
