SALT LAKE CITY, UT., January 11, 2024 — Real Salt Lake has made a significant investment in its future with the acquisition of Mexican youth international winger Fidel Barajas from the USL Championship team, Charleston Battery. The club announced the signing of the 17-year-old, who has committed through the 2026 MLS season with an option for 2027-28.
Real Salt Lake obtained the top spot in the MLS waiver order from Toronto FC to secure Barajas’s signature. The deal included an exchange of $50,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) and the No. 17 overall waiver position.
Barajas, formerly part of the San Jose Earthquakes youth system, has established himself as one of the most promising talents in the country. His technical abilities and adeptness with both feet allow him to be a threat from either flank. Sporting director Kurt Schmid highlighted Barajas’s vision and awareness on the field, which have earned him high regard in youth soccer circles.
During his time with Charleston, Barajas was named the 2023 USL Championship Young Player of the Year. He recorded five goals and 13 assists across 37 games in all competitions, showcasing his impact on the pitch. He also played a crucial role for Mexico at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which followed their triumph at the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship. His accolades also include being named to The Guardian’s “Next Generation” list of top rising talents born in 2006.
Barajas expressed excitement about his transition to MLS and joining Real Salt Lake, known for nurturing young talents and offering them significant playing time. He looks forward to following the pathway laid out by the club, which he believes provides the perfect opportunity for his development and potential future moves to Europe.
Head coach Pablo Mastroeni will have additional options on the wing with Barajas joining the ranks alongside Diego Luna and Andrés Gómez. The move comes as Jefferson Savarino reportedly sets to join Brazil’s Botafogo.
Real Salt Lake’s 2024 season is set to kick off on February 21 against Inter Miami CF, with Barajas expected to be an integral part of the squad’s fresh and youthful dynamic. The signing underlines RSL’s continued commitment to integrating promising young players into its first-team setup, aiming to blend homegrown talent with experienced heads to make a strong showing in the league.
