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For the totality of 2019, it’s seemed a forgone conclusion that Joao Plata would be moving away from Real Salt Lake in short order.
Rumors surfacing today lend some credence to that thought, with two tweets from Ecuador-based sources indicating a move to Mexico is in the cards for the attacker.
Chalo Vargas en @superk800radio nos cuenta que en los próximos 10 días se podría dar la llegada de Joao Plata al fútbol mexicano. Lo manejaba en reserva pero en un 90% ya está el arreglo.
— Kristy Alvarado C. (@SambaAlvarado) May 14, 2019
#EcuatorianosEx
— Diálogo Deportivo ⚽️ (@dialogodeport) May 14, 2019
El volante Joao Plata dejaría la MLS, su destino sería el fútbol mexicano.
Ya hay acuerdo con su nuevo equipo, en las próximas horas se lo oficializa. pic.twitter.com/JAV1JpoVA9
Plata, 27, is in his seventh year with Real Salt Lake. 2019 has seen him no starts and only 45 minutes of play over five matches.
It would be no real surprise to see him move, given that. Presumably, there remains some time on his contract, after signing a long-term contract extension in mid-2017.
Plata has, at various times, been a designated player for the club, though he is not currently. He also does not occupy an international slot for the club, having received his green card.
We’ve reached out to RSL Communications for any additional light they can shed. Both tweets indicate a move is coming soon.
Update, 3 p.m.: RSL Communications has no comment on the matter.
Update, 11:30 a.m.: Reports indicate a move to Atletico San Luis appears to be imminent.
El delantero ecuatoriano Joao Plata del Real Salt Lake sería el primer refuerzo del Atlético de San Luis.
— PAULINA BENAVENTE (@pbenaventeg) May 14, 2019
Reports have also indicated that the news is coming from Plata’s agent, Gonzalo Vargas.
El delantero ecuatoriano Joao Plata dejará al Real Salt Lake de la MLS para jugar en la Liga MX.
— Rafael Rivera (@RafaDato2) May 14, 2019
Gonzalo Vargas, su agente, se encargó de darlo a conocer a la prensa ecuatoriana.
Plata ha sido relacionado previamente con Tigres, Santos y Atlas. pic.twitter.com/q1uCaRsiR2