Official: Sebastian Saucedo returns from Veracruz loan

In a move that, nine months ago ago, would likely have been a surprise, Sebastian Saucedo is returning to Real Salt Lake after a season-long loan at Liga MX side Veracruz.

Saucedo, 19, signed with Real Salt Lake in mid-2014 and picked up minutes only occasionally at the club in his first two seasons. The loan to Veracruz came attached with an option to buy, often estimated in the high six-figure or low seven-figure range.

That heightened fears that another young, talented player would end up leaving the club — but after playing only nine matches, five of which were in Copa MX, Veracruz opted not to exercise that option.

Saucedo played nearly as many matches — seven — with the United States U-20 team, which came as a bit of a surprise after he publicly considered playing for either the United States or Mexico.

In a club-issued press release, Saucedo said he’s “ready to score goals” — and he may be given the chance, although at what position is difficult to say.

“I learned a lot in my year with Veracruz and I thank the club and my teammates for the opportunity. I’m ready to score goals. I scored my first professional goal in Mexico and I think can score many more here. I’m really excited.”

Saucedo will almost certainly not need protecting in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft, given his homegrown status.