Real Salt Lake: RSL adds defensive strength with Marcelo Silva

The 28-year-old center back brings with him a wealth of experience from La Liga. Will he be the key piece to help RSL’s defensive woes?

Real Salt Lake has officially announced the signing of 28-year-old Uruguayan center back, Marcelo Silva. The signing was done with Target Allocation Money. With RSL being having the worst goal difference in the league, and only Minnesota United having allowed more goals, the signing certainly makes sense, but will it translate to results?

On paper, Silva has plenty of promise. The athletic defender brings with him a wealth of experience from La Liga and Segunda Division in Spain, defending against some of the best attackers in the world, and should immediately slot in next to Justen Glad. He comes directly from Real Zaragoza in Segunda Division, and being out of contract after the club ended their season he comes to RSL without a transfer fee. Given his experience and ability, he should be able to help the back line compete with some of the potent attacks that are filling MLS rosters.

After two seasons of rumors surrounding various center backs being linked with Real Salt Lake, the club and GM Craig Waibel finally had the space and the timing to make the move happen. At only 28, Silva should lead the back line more at least the next few seasons and will hopefully help Glad take the next step in his promising career.

Next: Evaluating RSL's roster heading into the transfer window

The question now becomes if the club decides to move on from any of the other veteran center backs on the squad, specifically Aaron Maund, Chris Schuler, or David Horst. Given the team’s injury woes over the last few seasons, along with the defenders availability now, having them on the roster moving forward would still be beneficial, as long as it doesn’t prevent any other improvements from being made to the squad.

Silva will be available for the lineup after the July 10 transfer window officially opens.