Sebastian Jaime has parted ways with Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake has acquired Nigerian midfielder Sunday “Sunny” Stephen Obayan, but will part ways with former Designated Player Sebastian Jaime.
Obayan, who played for Spain internationally in the youth system and for the Nigerian senior squad, has appeared for several teams in Spain as well as Israeli, Bulgarian, and Turkish sides most recently. He is expected to make an immediate impact on RSL’s midfield depth and challenge for a starting spot, according to general manager Craig Waibel:
Sunny challenges the status quo. He’s going to force the coaching staff to make tough decisions and force players to perform at a higher level. He’s a quality player that we think can contribute right away when he adjusts to the play in America. He’s really active, physically adept and technically sound. He covers a lot of space and adds to the quality of our midfield.
Meanwhile, the team has agreed to terminate striker Sebastian Jaime’s contract, a decision that Real stated was a mutual one. Jaime will return to Chile, joining Universidad Catolica after several reports had linked him with such a move. Yura Movsisyan’s acquisition made Jaime somewhat expendable to RSL, as he struggled to make an impact in Jeff Cassar’s 4-3-3 last season.
Real has been relatively quiet during the off-season, but the last week has seen the club make a series of moves as the team prepares for CONCACAF Champions League action next month. On Thursday, the club issued two statements in rapid succession announcing the two transactions.
However, Waibel still has work to do, as RSL’s defense needs more reinforcement. Although the club has made new deals with several returning players, an experienced center back will be expected to sign sometime in the coming weeks.
