Real Salt Lake Adds Attacker Johnny Russell To Feckless Attack
Apr 25, 2025, 2:45 PM
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 13: Johnny Russell opened his Real Salt Lake account with a goal against D.C. United on June 14, 2025. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – Days after acquiring striker Willy Agada, Real Salt Lake is adding veteran MLS attacker Johnny Russell.
The signing was finalized on Friday, April 25.
“We are pleased to add an accomplished MLS veteran to our team,” said RSL Chief Soccer Officer Kurt Schmid. “Johnny has seen virtually everything possible on and off the field during his storied career in both the U.S. and in the U.K., and we believe in his leadership, his work ethic, and skillset.”
RELATED: RSL Announces Acquisition Of Striker William ‘Willy’ Agada
Johnny Russell is back! 😤
He signs with @realsaltlake. pic.twitter.com/ICvRV6p2Og
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 25, 2025
“I’ve been on the receiving end of the RSL fan base’s – let’s say ‘enthusiasm’ plenty of times, so it’s always in good fun, always competitive games with RSL and KC,” Johnny Russell said, acknowledging his history in the Beehive State.
Russell brings extensive experience, having spent the past seven seasons with Sporting KC. The 35-year-old joins the Claret & Cobalt after years of being the guy many RSL fans loved to hate. Russell’s five MLS goals and seven across all competitions against Real Salt Lake make him the all-time scoring leader in the series.
“Utah is one of the places I’ve enjoyed coming, so hopefully I can turn some of those opinions around,” Russell said during his introduction. “I’m someone who wears my heart on my sleeve, plays with a lot of pride and fiery passion, so I’m hoping that those fans see that, and they appreciate that, and turns a few folks in my favor.”
About Johnny Russell
A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Russell began his professional career in the Scottish Premiership in May 2007 at the age of 17.
He has played for Scotland at the U-19 and U-21 levels, making his international debut in 2014. Russell scored 93 goals in a dozen seasons playing professionally in Europe.
Look who’s claret & cobalt 😏
Welcome to the squad, Johnny
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 25, 2025
Russell began his stint with Kansas City in 2018, playing 232 matches in all competitions with the club. He scored 67 goals overall and 24 goals against MLS teams.
”I’m really excited at the opportunity to come here,” Russell said of his new team. “It’s a young, exciting team that are going in a great direction and I’m lucky to be a part of it. Again, really excited to get going and can’t wait to get out there.”
Russell is the highest-scoring Scottish-born player in MLS history.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
