Real Salt Lake Re-Signs Anderson Julio To Three Year Deal
Apr 28, 2022, 3:03 PM | Updated: 3:14 pm
Anderson Julio #29 of Real Salt Lake shoots the ball against the Houston Dynamo during their game on June 26, 2021 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake has re-signed Anderson Julio on a permanent deal. The terms and conditions of the deal are not disclosed, per team and league policy. The club will have an option on Julio in 2025/26.
“I am quite excited to return to Utah, this is what I have wanted for a very long time,” said Julio from Mexico, where he currently awaits procedural paperwork processes that will allow him to return to work in the United States. “I cannot wait to come back and work hard to help Pablo and the boys enjoy much success, and to reward the fans for their love of Real Salt Lake.”
He’s back.
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 28, 2022
Julio, 25, last played with Real Salt Lake on loan from Liga MX side Atlético San Luis in 2021. However, following the 2021 season that ended with a loss in the Western Conference Final to Portland, Julio returned to Mexico as he awaited how the two parties would plan for his immediate future.
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Unfortunately, Real Salt Lake and Atlético San Luis could not reach an agreement on bringing the speedster back to Real Salt Lake to start the 2022 MLS season. However, many months of negotiating later, Julio will return to Real Salt Lake on a permanent contract.
Locked. pic.twitter.com/5bEpDnyXeG
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 28, 2022
Julio began the 2021 season starting for Real Salt Lake and made an immediate impact with two goals on his debut. As the season progressed, Julio was relegated to the bench but refused to allow the change in role to deter him from impacting games. Throughout the 2021 playoffs, Julio frequently came off the bench in the second half and had an immediate impact on games. His speed is electric, and his presence immediately pushes the backline deeper into their own half.
“Bringing Julio back to the RSL family has been a top priority during the last several months,” said Real Salt Lake General Manager Elliot Fall, noting that Julio was not registered by his Liga MX side for the ongoing “Clausura” portion of the season. “We know what he brings on and off the field, in the locker room and throughout the community. Securing his permanent transfer and his long-term rights as opposed to another season-long loan has been our goal, and we are elated to welcome him back, get him into game shape and watch him flourish as part of our culture.”
