RSL waives homegrown midfielder Fito Ovalle citing discussions with player

Homegrown Real Salt Lake midfielder Fito Ovalle has been waived by the organization, according to a club-issued press release today.

Ovalle was given a leave of absence from RSL in recent weeks for personal reasons, which were undisclosed.

In the release, RSL general manager Craig Waibel said the waiving came after discussions with the player.

Following a series of discussions with Fito we have reached the understanding that we cannot fulfill his short term goals, desires, and aspirations. In lieu of this, Real Salt Lake has placed him on waivers. We thank him for his contributions to our organization and wish him nothing but the best that the sport has to offer him in the coming years.

Ovalle, who turned 19 today, signed with Real Salt Lake on March 6, 2015 but appeared only for Real Monarchs in competitive matches. He did not appear with the USL side in 2016.

The departure of Ovalle comes as somewhat of a surprise, given he has appeared for Chile's U-20s side and was widely regarded as a promising young midfielder.