On January 3rd, 2018 Real Salt Lake made the signing of Alfredo Ortuño official.
Ortuño will instantly add another goal scoring threat for the Claret and Cobalt, he managed 17 goals in 42 appearances while on loan last season with Cádiz CF in La Liga 2. To put that into perspective, Luis Silva scored 7 goals in 30 appearances for RSL last year.
At 6 ft 1/2 inches, Ortuño has a unique ability to score goals with his head, as well as using his agility to beat defenders with his footwork and wicked left foot. He will be problematic for defenders across the MLS.
Mike Petke will now have the luxury of having depth at the number 9 spot, last season it felt as though he was stranded with Luis Silva who started the season off slowly before going on a run late. Yura Movsisyan would often come off the bench and try to offer a spark, but clearly seemed somewhat disinterested. 2018 should be much different, the addition of Ortuño will allow Petke to attack opposing defenses differently and test Luis Silva’s competitive nature.
Here is a clip of Waibel talking about the recent signing and what it will mean for Luis Silva:
Waibel on Ortuno signing pic.twitter.com/hWcudvhLEr
— Real Salt Lake (@RealSaltLake) January 4, 2018
Depth is never a bad thing in sports, Ortuño should only help Real Salt Lake’s hopes of winning the MLS Cup in 2018. Well done Craig Waibel and staff! Marcelo Silva also apparently had lengthy conversations with Ortuño to help lure him in.
