Real Salt Lake Start 2025 By Adding Elias Manoel, Sam Junqua, And More!
Real Salt Lake are making some moves to kick off their off-season, and getting younger in the process. First, RSL have acquired winger Tyler Wolff from Atlanta United for $50,000 in GAM. The 21 year old attacker has 68 first team minutes under his belt between Atlanta United and a loan stint at SK Beveren with 8 goal contributions. Last season he had 1 goal in 20 games played for Atlanta.
RSL have added two more strikers to their depth chart for 2025. First, RSL traded $700,000 in GAM to the New York Red Bulls for Elias Manoel and four SuperDraft selections. The Red Bulls will also retain a sell on % for Manoel if sold outside of MLS. The 23 year old Brazilian joined the Red Bulls in 2022 from Gremio and in that time has 18 goals and 6 assists in 84 games. Last season he had his best year with the Red Bulls with 9 goals and 2 assists across all competitions. RSL also added striker Forster Ajago in the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The 23 year old Ajago was a rookie last season for Nashville where he scored 2 goals in 15 games while also playing for Huntsville in MLS Next Pro performing much better there. These moves give RSL some more true striker depth behind Chicho Arango.
The final move so far this off-season comes in the form of a trade with FC Dallas. RSL have acquired leftback Sam Junqua, $400,000 in GAM, and potential for another $100,000 in GAM from Dallas for winger Anderson Julio. The 28 year old Junqua adds to the club’s deep leftback talent pool but has also played some centerback in recent seasons. Last season, Junqua played in 36 games for FC Dallas logging roughly 2,500 minutes. Junqua has 116 career games played between Dallas and the Houston Dynamo with 11 goal contributions and should be a nice added depth piece to RSL in 2025. RSL did have to give up on Anderson Julio who produced well for the club in 2024. The 28 year old winger had 14 goal contributions in 2024 which RSL needs to find a replacement for.
All in all, RSL have had another RSL start to their off-season. Collecting GAM, acquiring under utilized talents on other MLS clubs, and focusing on youth development. I am excited to see where this front office continues to focus, especially after the last few windows in which the club has spent a TON!
