Report: Justin Meram Will Not Return To Real Salt Lake In 2022
Dec 17, 2021, 3:28 PM
Real Salt Lake forward Justin Meram (9) tries to outrun Austin FC midfielder Alexander Ring (8) down the pitch with the ball as Real Salt Lake and Austin FC play at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. RSL won 1-0. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Justin Meram appears to be on the move again, according to a recent report from MLS freelance journalist, Tom Bogert.
MLS free agent winger Justin Meram is nearing a decision between offers from three MLS clubs, though Real Salt Lake are not currently among the finalists, I’m told.
Meram, 33, spent last two seasons with RSL. Veteran attacker has 295 regular season MLS apps, 48g/44a.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 16, 2021
Meram’s contract with Real Salt Lake concluded following the 2021 season and although he has publically stated that he would like to return, it seems more likely that the 33-year-old will be playing elsewhere in 2022.
Over the course of his career, Meram has spent time with five different Major League Soccer clubs dating back to his days with the Columbus Crew which began in 2011.
Meram’s role with Real Salt Lake became more obvious towards the end of the regular season where he frequently came off the bench, offering a spark in the final 30 minutes of games with fresher legs.
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Most notably, Meram’s impact was felt in the October 27th, 2-1 win on the road against Dallas when he sparked a comeback providing a pair of terrific assists inside the final 15 minutes to secure the victory. Then, in the Western Conference semifinal against Sporting Kansas City Meram came off the bench in the 71st minute and went on a run in the 92nd minute that began around midfield and ended with a remarkable cross onto the outstretched right boot of Bobby Wood for the games only goal.
Meram believes he still has plenty to offer and following the 2021 season stated that he would like to return to Real Salt Lake even if it required him to come off the bench on a more permanent basis.
However, the recent report suggests that the club is not willing to facilitate a role for Meram in 2022. Or, Meram has had a change of heart and would like to play at a club that will give him more minutes.
In 2021, Meram was making $500K according to the MLSPA website.
