Report: Albert Rusnák Linked With Move To Seattle Sounders As Real Salt Lake Contract Expires Within Days
Dec 30, 2021, 4:01 PM
(Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake’s 2021 captain and team leader Albert Rusnák has been linked with a move to the Seattle Sounders according to Niko Moreno, a Sounders beat writer.
At least one source has confirmed that #Sounders is structuring a deal to sign #MLS veteran and #RSL midfielder Albert Rusnak.
His versatility could make him a key component under Seattle’s 4-2-3-1 or their variations of their 3 CBs formations.
Makes a lot of sense. pic.twitter.com/XXw8ucAocj
— Niko Moreno (@ELROLONW) December 30, 2021
Rusnák concluded his fifth season as a member of Real Salt Lake in 2021. During the 2021 season, Rusnák broke a club record by playing in all but 15 minutes throughout the regular season notching 3,045 minutes.
Immediately following the Western Conference defeat to Portland, Rusnák informed KSL Sports that he was eager to sign a new deal with Real Salt Lake and return in 2022.
However, Rusnák also mentioned that he does not want to wait too long for Real Salt Lake to come around with a deal. Officially, Rusnák’s contract concludes on the 1st of January.
Real Salt Lake is still without ownership, not that they need ownership to sign Rusnák, but it would certainly aid efforts.
With the most recent report suggesting a potential move to Seattle, pressure mounts on Real Salt Lake to act accordingly and re-sign their beloved playmaker. Furthermore, Seattle’s General Manager Garth Lagerway and Sporting Director Craig Waibel both have long-standing ties to Real Salt Lake following their stints as General Manager in the beehive state. Waibel was the acting General Manager for Real Salt Lake when Rusnák first signed in 2017.
Real Salt Lake players and staff will report to the training facility in Herriman, Utah on January 16th to commence the 2022 pre-season.