SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake announced that they have signed Brazilian midfielder Everton Luiz on loan from Societa Polisportiva Ars et Labor (S.P.A.L.) in Italy’s Serie A for the 2019 season. He will join the club in preseason, pending receipt of his ITC and visa.

Luiz was ready to start the next chapter of his career in the United States after playing in Switzerland, Serbia and Italy. The 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder appeared in 21 games during the 2018 season with SPAL.

“Over the past several years we have restructured our roster with a young core. Now is the right time to complement our young core with more experienced players in order to challenge for greater results.  Everton is the type of player that we feel can assist in helping us mature beyond being a competitive team and into one that challenges for bigger and better things,” RSL General Manager Craig Waibel said.  “He fits into the culture we are creating and is the type of player that our fans will enjoy watching as his on-field commitment is a standard they will surely appreciate.  His playing resume speaks for itself and his addition will allow the coaching staff to explore more options in squad selection each week.”

He began his senior career in 2009 with Ponte Preta in Brazil for the 2009 season before joining Italian club Palmeriaras from 2009-11 but was loaned out to Marilia in 2010 and Bragantino in 2011. Luiz signed with CRB in Brazil for two seasons but was loaned out each season, playing for San Luis in 2012 and Criciuma in 2013.

“MLS is a league that is growing a lot and becoming more and more competitive.  I am coming to a structured club that is full of potential to go further,” Luiz said.  “I’ve reached my dream of playing in one of the biggest leagues on the planet and share the pitch with many of the best players.  I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted and I’m looking forward to new challenges and saw in Real Salt Lake a huge opportunity to keep growing in my career.”

Over his nine-year career, Luiz has scored seven goals.

Nothing has been announced by Real Salt Lake on the reports of acquiring Luiz.

#RSL signs MF Everton Luiz on loan through the 2019 season

Welcome, Everton 👋🏼

📰 https://t.co/cxCXssLwgI pic.twitter.com/5d8zDmYqvW

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 7, 2019