Real Salt Lake Front Office Announces Roster Decisions Following Successful 2021 Campaign

SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake has announced roster decisions following the conclusion of the 2021 Major League Soccer that ended with a 2-0 loss to the Portland Timbers in the Western Conference Final.

Real Salt Lake has exercised the options on David Ochoa, Andrew Brody, Maikel Chang, Erik Holt, and Marcelo Silva.

The club has declined the options on Milan Iloski, Douglas Martinez, Ashtone Morgan, Justin Portillo, Noah Powder, Jeizon Ramirez, Tate Schmitt, and Donny Toia.

Real Salt Lake’s decision to decline options means that the player and the club can still come to an agreement on a future contract if both parties can come to an agreement. All players listed above may still be a member of Real Salt Lake in 2022, it will be under the terms of a new contract, however.

Finally, Real Salt Lake has yet to make a decision on the immediate future of Albert Rusnák, Justin Meram, Everton Luiz, and Anderson Julio. It remains unknown when the club will have announcements regarding the four players listed.

#RSL announces 2022 roster decisions.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) December 6, 2021

Rusnák and the club has both publically stated the desire to stay at Real Salt Lake. As a Designated Player, it seems likely that the club will wait for ownership to take control of the club before any deal with Rusnák is done. Major League Soccer has not allowed Real Salt Lake to sign discretionary spending while being without ownership.

Meram’s impact off the bench late in the season will likely land him a new short-term contract if the club can convince Meram about his newfound role for Real Salt Lake off the bench. Meram will also subsequently take a pay cut due to his expected lack of minutes in 2022.

Luiz is currently making $1.16 million. The club will be looking for a holding midfielder in the offseason, their search for new midfield talent will likely determine the immediate future of Luiz.

Julio spent 2021 on loan from Liga MX club Atlético San Luis. Real Salt Lake has a buy-out clause with Julio, however, KSL Sports has learned that the clause is worth millions of dollars. Will general manager Elliot Fall be able to justify the multi-million dollar buy-out clause for a player that has found most of his success off the bench? Only time will tell.