- RSL signed Brazilian striker Rwan Cruz on loan from Botafogo until June 2026.
- Cruz, 24, joins as RSL's second designated player, alongside Diogo Goncalves.
- Cruz aims to boost RSL's attack as they pursue a strong finish to the season.
SALT LAKE CITY — Real Salt Lake went nearly seven months with an open designated player slot after the departure of Chicho Arango in January, but a replacement has officially been added to the roster.
The club announced the signing of 24-year-old Brazilian striker Rwan Cruz, who is on loan, Friday as its second designated player, along with Portuguese attacking midfielder Diogo Goncalves. The loan goes until June 30, 2026, with an option to extend through the 2026 season, as well as a reported $5 million purchase option.
"We are elated to welcome Rwan to our club, and have been working on this move for some time," chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid said. "Rwan's quality, finishing and attacking flexibility should allow him to bolster our options up top, adding a difference-maker to our core as we pursue a strong finish to the season."
Cruz arrives from Brazilian club Botafogo, which RSL has done business with in the past when dealing former winger Jefferson Savarino. Cruz returned to his native Brazil on a four-year contract with Botafogo in February, after trying his hand in Europe with Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad for the last two seasons.
The 6-foot-2 attacker has now played for five different clubs since making his professional debut with famed Brazilian side Santos in 2022, and likely hopes to find a more consistent role with RSL after struggling to see the pitch in recent months.
Botafogo brought Cruz to the FIFA Club World Cup held in the U.S. this summer, but he did not appear in a game. He has two goals in 14 appearances with the Rio de Janeiro-based club since joining six months ago.
Bringing his talents to MLS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6dpxZ2qL16
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 1, 2025
Cruz was born and raised in the northeastern Brazilian metropolitan area of Recife, and worked for a time with his father as a bricklayer. His youth career was equally as chaotic as his professional one, bouncing between five different academies since the age of 13.
"Everything happens for a reason, and I believe it is of great significance at the right time for me to be in Utah," Cruz said. "I have been watching the RSL games and I think we play very well as a team. We have a playing style with short passing combinations that I enjoy very much, and I believe this is an excellent fit for me."
Cruz joins an RSL side playing its best football of the season, with just one loss and five wins in seven MLS games over June and July to jump into the Western Conference playoff race. The Claret and Cobalt opened their Leagues Cup campaign Wednesday with a 2-2 draw in regulation and penalty shootout win over Liga MX's Club America.
The club says Cruz will be available to play in both Leagues Cup and MLS action pending the approval of both the International Transfer Certificate from the Brazilian federation and his P-1 work visa.
RSL hosts two more games in phase one of the Leagues Cup against Atletico de San Luis on Saturday and Queretaro on Wednesday, both at 7:30 p.m. MDT at America First Field. MLS play resumes on Saturday, Aug. 10, when the Claret and Cobalt travel to take on the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey.
