4Views
Real Salt Lake are set to boost their attack with the signing of Slovakian striker Robert Bozenik from Portuguese team Boavista. The deal is almost complete, with only a medical exam and contract signing left to do over the weekend.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The MLS club have quickly agreed to bring in Bozenik, 25, who is expected to travel to Utah soon. After a season in Portugal, where he scored four goals in 29 league matches, Bozenik is looking for a fresh start. Boavista are second from bottom in the Primeira Liga and in danger of being relegated, and will lose a key player at a critical time. Bozenik had been a highly rated prospect after his €4 million move to Feyenoord in 2020, but has struggled in both the Netherlands and Portugal. Now, he will have a new opportunity to prove himself in MLS. Real Salt Lake see him as a necessary reinforcement to improve their attack.
WHY SALT LAKE NEED FIREPOWER
Real Salt Lake are 10th in the Western Conference after a mixed start to the MLS season. They have struggled to score goals and maintain consistency, which has kept them outside the playoff places. They are two points from ninth, which is currently occupied by Vancouver Whitecaps, and three points ahead of 11th place LA Galaxy. The team’s leading scorers have been unable to score regularly, which is why they need a new striker. Their next match is against Seattle Sounders, who are currently seventh and also fighting for a playoff spot. This match is important for both teams as they look to climb the standings before the halfway point of the season.
WHAT NEXT?
Bozenik is expected to complete his medical exam and sign his contract with Real Salt Lake in the coming days. If the transfer is completed, he could make his debut for the club as early as next week. This transfer will make it even harder for Boavista to avoid relegation without their Slovakian forward. For Bozenik, joining MLS gives him a chance to revive his career and help Real Salt Lake qualify for the playoffs in a tightly contested Western Conference.
