Kyle Beckerman and Real Salt Lake have mutual interest in the club legend returning for another year, a source with knowledge of Beckerman’s thinking told The Salt Lake Tribune.
The person, who asked not to be identified because of relationships with both Beckerman and RSL, intimated that it was only a matter of time until both sides reach an agreement.
“Details,” said the source. “It’ll get done.”
Beckerman was not immediately available for comment.
Beckerman, 37, was out of contract after the 2019 season. RSL general manager Elliot Fall confirmed to The Tribune this week that there is interest on the club’s end for Beckerman to return to the field in 2020, but did not comment further.
“We'd love Kyle to play for us next year,” Fall said. “No question about it.”
The club has been open about bringing Beckerman back in some capacity in 2020, but exactly how was more up in the air. Coach Freddy Juarez said last month that the club “presented some options” to him over the offseason, with playing atop the list.
KYLE BECKERMAN AT A GLANCE
Captain of RSL since 2008. … Won MLS Cup with RSL in 2009. … Played 58 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. … Played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. … All-time MLS leader in games played (488), games started (456), minutes (40,772) and yellow cards (119).
When asked if that meant an off-the-field role was also presented to Beckerman, Juarez did not get into specifics.
“There might be some other options for him,” Juarez said. “But it’s all thrown out there for him to explore. We want Kyle to make that decision. Because we want him. We want Kyle. And we want Kyle to do the best for Kyle. He deserves that. He earned that.”
Beckerman started 24 of the 25 games he played in 2019 and played more than 2,100 minutes. He also contributed five assists, tied for most on the team with three other players.
The 20-year MLS veteran would be retuning to an RSL roster with plenty of depth at midfield. Nick Besler is returning after suffering a broken foot last season, the club re-signed Everton Luiz, and young players such as Justin Portillo and Luis Arriaga will certainly fight for minutes.
But that was largely the situation last season, and Beckerman was consistently in the starting 11 because of his work ethic.
“He gives everything for the club every day,” Juarez said. “I've never met anyone that trains as hard as that guy. My end-of-the-year meeting was me telling him, 'Thank you for always giving 100 percent and doing it at such a high level.’"
Beckerman has been in Major League Soccer since 2000, when he was drafted by the now-defunct Miami Fusion. He spent 51/2 seasons with the Colorado Rapids before a trade sent him to RSL, where he’s played since. Last year marked his 13th season in Salt Lake.
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