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Real Salt Lake may be bringing in a young, unknown forward for the first time in what seems like ages, with rumors from Paraguay indicating that Cerro Porteno striker Pedro Báez will be joining RSL on a six-month loan until the end of the 2016 season.
An RSL spokesperson said they couldn’t deny the report.
The player seems to have indicated such in an interview with Futbol a lo Grande (1080 AM) in Paraguay.
"Sí, me voy al Real Salt Lake de la MLS" Pedro Báez ex #Cerro @FALG1080am
— Gerardo Noguera (@GerarN88) July 22, 2016
"Por suerte todo se dió muy rápido, me vieron en el torneo de Francia con la Selección" Pedro Báez ex #Cerro @FALG1080am
— Gerardo Noguera (@GerarN88) July 22, 2016
"Se que está el Burrito Martínez, iré a préstamo con opción a compra" Pedro Báez @RealSaltLake @FALG1080am
— Gerardo Noguera (@GerarN88) July 22, 2016
That last tweet is particularly interesting,
The timing of the move makes sense, given RSL recently sent Devon Sandoval on loan to Rayo OKC. It would provide some forward depth, but unless Báez were to come in and do extremely well, chances of him starting would be slim.
Báez has been capped by the Paraguayan U-20 team, and he recently scored against Japan in the Toulon Tournament, which the U.S. has participated in before. Although no height and weight seem to be listed online, the video below shows him as not being particularly small.
Last time Real Salt Lake signed a young, foreign striker, they brought Olmes Garcia in to the club in 2013. His first year prompted much salivation among fans, although more recent years have been less productive.
We’re currently seeking confirmation on the move.