TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension
Real Salt Lake midfielder/forward Damir Kreilach has signed a multi-year extension through the 2022 season with an option for 2023, the club announced Friday.
Since Kreilach will make above the maximum salary budget charge, RSL will determine if he’ll qualify as a Designated Player for next season before the 2021 roster compliance date.
“From the moment I came to Real Salt Lake, it felt like I was at home. Everyone welcomed me and my family. At the end of the day, it’s not only about soccer. It’s about life. I’m happy to stay here and continue to be part of the RSL family,” Kreilach said in a statement.
“I want to thank all of my teammates and coaches, as well as staff and fans. I’m looking forward to giving my best on and off the field and be a role model for other young players. And of course I’m looking forward to winning something for RSL because that is what this club and these fans deserve.”
Since signing for the 2018 season, Kreilach has 23 goals and 14 assists in 76 regular-season matches. He’s RSL’s leading scorer this year with five goals and one assist through 11 games, and also has four goals and one assist in five Audi MLS Cup Playoff matches.
Originally joining via Targeted Allocation Money, Kreliach has featured as a No. 10, box-to-box midfielder and forward. The 31-year-old Croatian was previously at Bundesliga side Union Berlin. He also played for Rijeka in the Croatian first division.
“When you’re out signing an international player and investing heavily in that player and want them to come in and make an impact, he’s exactly what you’re looking for,” RSL general manager Elliot Fall said. “He’s a professional. He’s a culture setter. He leads by example. And he produces. He steps up in every big moment. You look at the big moments in the last three years for RSL, Damir plays a role in nearly every one of them. That says all you need to know about him."
