Justin Meram Returns To Real Salt Lake Ahead Of 2022 Season

SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake winger Justin Meram has signed a new contract that will bring him back to Real Salt Lake for the 2022 season.

Justin Meram and Real Salt Lake have verbally agreed to a deal, I'm told. Talks had previously stalled but Pablo Mastroeni pushed for Meram's return.

Meram, 33, spent the last two seasons with RSL but was a free agent.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 29, 2021

Freelance writer Tom Bogert broke the news on social media earlier today. Details of the contract are yet to be released.

Meram concluded the 2021 season in superb form. Under newly appointed manager Pablo Mastroeni, Meram came off the bench for Real Salt Lake down the stretch and frequently impacted games, aiding the club to a Western Conference Final birth against Portland.

Most notably, Meram’s role in the semifinal clash against Sporting Kansas City was pivotal in Real Salt Lake reaching the Western Conference Final.

Earlier this month, it was rumored that Meram had interest from three unknown Major League Soccer clubs but Real Salt Lake was not one of them. However, since Mastroeni had the interim tag removed from his job title he has convinced Meram to return to Real Salt Lake for at least one more season.

❤️💙💛

— Justin Meram (@JustinMeram) December 29, 2021

During Meram’s exit interviews with the media, he made it very clear that his first priority will be to return to Real Salt Lake, stating that his young family is very happy in Utah and that he enjoyed his experience under Mastroeni immensely.

Meram’s signing is hopefully the first of many this offseason as the club is still negotiating with 2021 captain Albert Rusnák on a new contract. Rusnák has been linked to multiple English Premier League clubs over recent weeks. He, much like Meram, stated his desire to return to Real Salt Lake in 2022.

Real Salt Lake players and staff will report to the training facility in Herriman, Utah on January 16th to commence the 2022 pre-season.