It’s not the biggest signing in Major League Soccer.
That would be international sensation Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami.
But it is the biggest move in the history of Real Salt Lake.
RSL is finalizing a deal with former LAFC forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango, per a report from The Athletic. The deal is reportedly for a club-record transfer fee.
RSL is often criticized for not spending enough money on difference-making players. In fact, a recent analysis found that the club’s roster is among the lowest valued in all of Major League Soccer.
But it appears RSL is making a dent in that idea with a new signing.
The acquisition of Carlos Andrés Gómez earlier this year set the previous club record for a transfer fee.
Arango, who is of Columbian descent, spent 2021 and 2022 with LAFC, scoring 30 goals and assisting on seven others during his time there. He then joined Pachuca of Liga MX, where he has scored five goals.
RSL’s current leading goal scorers are Jefferson Savarino (four) and Pablo Ruíz (three). Four different players have two apiece. Arango would theoretically enter the club with the potential of becoming the leading scorer by the end of the season.
RSL currently sits ninth in the Western Conference through 16 games. It has a minus-nine goal differential.
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