Real Salt Lake Acquire Uruguayan Midfielder from Atlético San Luis

25-year-old Juan Manuel Sanabria joins MLS club on long-term deal

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Real Salt Lake have acquired midfielder/defender Juan Manuel Sanabria from LIGA MX side Atlético San Luis, the club announced on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Uruguayan international has signed a contract with RSL through the 2029-30 season.

Why it matters

This signing bolsters Real Salt Lake's attacking options on the left side of the field as they look to build a competitive squad for the 2026 season and beyond. Sanabria brings high-level experience from the Mexican top flight and is expected to make an immediate impact for RSL.

The details

Real Salt Lake's chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid said that "bolstering our attacking options on the left is pivotal to the squad we're building for 2026." Schmid added that Sanabria "has consistently performed at the highest level in LIGA MX and brings the kind of quality and experience that elevates those around him."

  • Real Salt Lake announced the signing on February 10, 2026.

The players

Juan Manuel Sanabria

A 25-year-old Uruguayan midfielder/defender who has been acquired by Real Salt Lake from Atlético San Luis in LIGA MX.

Kurt Schmid

The chief soccer officer for Real Salt Lake, who commented on the signing of Sanabria.

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What they’re saying

“Bolstering our attacking options on the left is pivotal to the squad we're building for 2026. JuanMa has consistently performed at the highest level in LIGA MX and brings the kind of quality and experience that elevates those around him.”

— Kurt Schmid, Chief Soccer Officer, Real Salt Lake (Real Salt Lake)

What’s next

Sanabria is expected to join Real Salt Lake's preseason training camp in the coming weeks as the club prepares for the start of the 2026 MLS season.

The takeaway

This acquisition demonstrates Real Salt Lake's commitment to strengthening their roster with high-caliber international talent as they aim to build a contending team in MLS for the coming years.