Real Salt Lake: RSL signs Alfredo Ortuño, linked with another

RSL has signed Spanish forward Alfredo Ortuño as a TAM player. They are also linked to American born RB, Adam Henley recently of Blackburn.

Real Salt Lake had one of the most impressive turnarounds in Major League Soccer. After a slow start and a coach firing, RSL went from last place in the Western Conference and roared into playoff contention up until decision day with some impressive victories.

Much of their success came from their well-rounded level of play, which allowed the attack of Albert Rusnák, Jefferson Savarino, Joao Plata, and Luis Silva (who took over the starting role about halfway through the season) to flow freely and torment opposing defenses.

The squad continues to rebuild before their 2018 season and have added Spanish striker Alfredo Ortuño. Ortuño scored 17 goals in La Liga 2 with Cadiz CF last season, which could translate well to a forward pool that saw seven goals from both Silva and Yura Movsisyan along with three from Brooks Lennon, who occasionally played up top.

The Spanish striker was also signed using Targeted Allocation Money, meaning his acquisition (whether it be the contract, salary, or both) totaled at more than $500,000. Such an investment in a forward means he is likely expected to come in and play immediately, which also raises questions as to what RSL will do with the enigmatic Movsisyan, who has struggled to contribute regularly despite being the clubs highest paid player ever.

Ortuño is also the former teammate of summer acquisition, center back Marcelo Silva. Marcelo has been fantastic thus far with RSL next to Justen Glad and if Ortuño can produce up top at a similar level, he will be another impressive signing for the RSL front office going back to Rusnák and Savarino.

Potentially More Additions

Real Salt Lake Ironman Tony Beltran suffered a substantial knee injury in the club’s second to last match against the Colorado Rapids that also puts his 2018 season in doubt. Beltran suffered a few smaller injuries last season that caused him to miss time, along with left-back Demar Phillips, allowing veteran Chris Wingert and academy graduate Danny Acosta to see regular time at fullback in their place.

With Acosta likely to have locked down the left back spot ahead of the oft-injured Phillips and only unproven academy graduate Aaron Herrera and promoted Monarchs utility player Taylor Peay left to play outside, it wouldn’t be surprising to see RSL make at least one more addition to the defense.

Reports have surfaced via Brian Sciaretta that RSL could be after Tennessee-born fullback, Adam Henley. The 23-year-old is currently a free agent after spending his entire professional career with Blackburn, most of which was spent in the English Championship. Henley was considered to be a bright prospect after he climbed through the club’s youth ranks and into the first team, but injuries have hampered his progress over the last few seasons.

With Henley being born in the US, he does not take up an international roster spot despite spending his entire career in England. Beltran could return by the end of the season, but Henley could also act as a potential long-term option. Of Welsh descent, Henley has also seen some time with the Wales National Team and could use RSL and the ever-improving MLS as a way to revitalize his career.

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Between Henley, the 20-year-old Herrera, Peay, Beltran down the line, and potentially even Jordan Allen, RSL should have several promising options on the right to work with the defensive core of Marcelo, Glad, and Acosta. With the electric attack already in place in front of them, RSL is quietly turning themselves into contenders once again.