MLS Transfers: RSL transfer Jefferson Savarino to Atletico Mineiro for club record fee

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer

Real Salt Lake have agreed to transfer talented Venezuelan winger Jefferson Savarino to Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro for a club record transfer fee reported to be around $2 million.

The 23-year-old Savarino had 21 goals and 21 assists in three seasons with RSL after joining as a young Designated Player in 2017. During his time at the club, he grew from a promising youngster to a full Venezuelan international (14 caps). 

Jefferson Savarino Highlights

“We want to thank Jefferson for his contributions to Real Salt Lake’s success during his three years with the club and wish him the best of luck throughout his career,” Real Salt Lake General Manager Elliot Fall said in a club statement. “We have our sights set on several players to replace him on the roster and are in the process of doing our due diligence to ensure that we bring in players that can contribute on the field, but also fit into our locker room and into our community.”

Just one day before the Savarino transfer, RSL acquired a player who some believe could turn into Savarino's successor: 18-year-old Venezuelan attacker Jeizon Ramirez, who arrives on a transfer from Venezuelan club Tachira and will also occupy a young Designated Player spot on the roster. 

After the 2019 Copa America last summer, reports surfaced that Premier League sides West Ham United and Newcastle United were interested in Savarino’s services. He ends up at Atletico Mineiro, the club that transferred Yimmi Chara to the Portland Timbers earlier this winter. Atletico Mineiro finished 13th in the Brazilian league last year. 

Real Salt Lake's offseason takes another interesting turn. The club saw legend Nick Rimando retire and it traded Brooks Lennon, among other moves. RSL open their 2020 campaign against Orlando City SC on February 29.