Real Salt Lake exercises purchase option on Jefferson Savarino

Real Salt Lake announced the permanent transfer of Jefferson Savarino in a press conference today, exercising the option to buy after spending six months on loan from Venezuelan side Zulia FC.

Savarino, 20, lit a fire under Real Salt Lake with his play after joining on loan from Zulia FC on May 9. Immediately making an impact on the field, he notched six goals and five assists in just over 1,600 minutes played for the club in MLS action this season.

His first match with the club came only four days after the loan deal was completed. It took until July for the winger to score his first goal for the club, just before doubling his tally in a 6-2 win over LA Galaxy.

“It's a huge step in the process we've been going through and a massive commitment from our owner,” says RSL general manager Craig Waibel. “We are in the process of successfully redesigning and redefining who we are, and Jefferson is a huge part of it.”

Savarino seems to be pleased with the deal. “I feel content being here. I'm happy to be here in Utah and I always thank God for being here,” he stated. “Now it is time to prepare and I will prepare the best that I can during our time off to keep growing as person and as a professional.”

The permanent move is a big one for RSL, who will look to build off the momentum and success that Savarino helped them achieve over the last half of the 2017 campaign. He will continue to occupy a Young Designated Player slot.