What did RSL do at the close of MLS transfer window?

SANDY — The Major League Soccer primary transfer window closes at 10 p.m. MDT Wednesday and Real Salt Lake made a trio of moves in the last week to set the team up heading into a crucial summer stretch.

First, on April 28, RSL announced the return of winger Anderson Julio on a permanent transfer from Atletico San Luis in Mexico. Then, early Wednesday, the team made public the signing of defender Chris Kablan from Waasland-Beveren in Belgium via loan. RSL owner David Blitzer also has ownership interest in Waasland-Beveren, along with five other European clubs, simplifying deals between RSL and those teams.

The third, and final, move of the window was the long-rumored reveal of Jefferson Savarino's return to Utah after three seasons away with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil. RSL general manager Elliott Fall confirmed that Savarino will be a designated player, which allows the club to sign more expensive players beyond the traditional cap space. He also revealed that forwards Damir Kreilach and Sergio Cordova are currently the other designated players on the roster.

"Jefferson, obviously, was a guy that was really impactful, really effective for us for a handful of years. And that's why that's why he made the move to Brazil," Fall said. "He's only continued to be impactful and effective in Brazil, and in many ways more effective. His game overall has matured and improved much like many players at a young age."

Fall said he has seen the 25 year old's game "evolve" since leaving RSL, particularly mentioning an increase in goal involvements and being more effective in the final third of the pitch. He also mentioned Savarino does a lot of things to help the team win that don't show up on the score sheet, as evidenced by the several trophies he won with Atletico in Brazil, including the club's first league title in 50 years in 2021.

RSL ended a month-long winless streak and a three-week scoring drought on April 30 with a 1-0 home win over the LA Galaxy, showing a clear need for attacking players like Savarino and Julio going forward. The lone goal against the Galaxy came from center back Marcelo Silva on a corner kick, with the last run-of-play goal coming from Kreilach in the first half of the 2-2 draw with Toronto FC on April 9.

Kreilach, the team's captain when healthy, is currently sidelined with a back issue and has not played since the 6-0 loss to New York City FC on April 17. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni praised wingers Justin Meram and Maikel Chang Wednesday for filling in and stepping up with limited attacking players available, possibly hinting at reduced roles for them and others when Savarino and Julio arrive.

Mastroeni said Julio arrives in Utah on Thursday, and the plan is to have him travel with the team for Sunday's road match against Nashville FC. He said the arrival of Savarino could take "two or three more weeks" due to visa and international travel logistics.

"We have a lot of good technicians, but it takes a really special player to make moments where there's a lot of people in a smaller space, and yet still come out with with a great decision," Mastroeni said. "And I think Savarino has that. His calmness in the (final) third is something that I think we really need."

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