The Colombian defender Juan José Arias has officially made the leap to international football. At 22 years old, the Atlético Nacional youth product joins Real Salt Lake (RSL) of Major League Soccer, following the confirmation of a loan agreement that marks a milestone in his promising career. Arias bids farewell to the "Verdolaga" club with an impressive record of six titles and 74 official matches played.
A new Colombian ambassador in the MLS
With his arrival in Utah, the 1.87-meter-tall center-back becomes the eighth Colombian footballer to wear the Real Salt Lake jersey. In his official presentation, the native of Rionegro expressed his enthusiasm for this new challenge: "I am very eager to wear this jersey. This club has everything I need to develop my potential," stated the player, who will occupy one of the under-22 roster spots on the team.
Projection and defensive solidity for 2026
From RSL's sports management, Kurt Schmid highlighted the maturity Arias acquired at Nacional, positioning him as the ideal reinforcement to strengthen the defensive unit. The American club is betting on his youth and long-term projection in a 2026 season that promises to be key for his consolidation. Arias will share the roster with talents like Diego Luna and Dominik Marczuk, aiming to make his mark in North American football.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
