Crooks, Chicho and ... Beavers? Friday was a #BogertBomb for Real Salt Lake fans
What does Tom Bogert have against Real Salt Lake? The noted MLS reporter who currently works for GiveMeSport unleashed a lot of news around Salt Lake City's MLS franchise Friday.
Tom Bogert was on a tear Friday with Real Salt Lake.
The longtime MLS reporter unleashed a flurry of transfer-related moves surrounding Real Salt Lake on Friday, which when added to the confirmed departure of Matt Crooks to English Championship side Hull City provided for a lot of takes and whiplash across the Wasatch Front.
On the day Gavin Beavers and Zavier Gozo were announced as call-ups by U.S. U-20 national team coach Marko Mitrović for the team’s training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, this weekend, Beavers was also linked with a forthcoming move overseas.
Danish club Brøndby IF was finalizing a deal to sign RSL’s youth international keeper, Bogert reported for GiveMeSport, on a permanent transfer.
It should be noted that Brøndby is currently owned by Global Football Holdings, the group backed by David Blitzer — who also co-owns Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith.
The 19-year-old from Henderson, Nevada, is a product of the RSL Academy system, but his aspirations to play in Europe have always been at the forefront of his career. Beavers has made 34 appearances since signing with RSL before the 2022 season, in addition to his time with the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Real Monarchs, with 17 starts.
The club is expected to sign a senior goalkeeper to compete with Zac MacMath, according to Bogert. RSL also released backup goalkeeper Tomas Gomez, who was out of contract following the 2024 season.
The report follows an earlier report Friday from — yeah, you guessed it — Bogert that star striker Chicho Arango was being sent to San Jose for $1.5 million in general allocation money.
RSL acquired Arango on a Designated Player salary in 2023 for a then-club record $6 million transfer fee. The 29-year-old Colombian international scored (with two caps) tallied a team-high 17 goals and 12 assists after donning the captain’s armband — but struggled to regain his form after serving a five-match suspension around the MLS All-Star break and Leagues Cup.
It’s anticipated, of course, that Salt Lake — which added forward Elias Manoel from New York Red Bulls a month ago — will look to fill Arango’s vacated DP spot with a center forward once the departure clears the league office.
All of this came, of course, after Crooks’ return to his native England on a 2.5-year deal was propelled over the finish line, and the 6-foot-5 midfielder was introduced to Hull City fans.
“During this past season with Real Salt Lake, Matt truly embraced our club,” said RSL chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid of Crooks. “Helping Matt return to the comforts of home is the right thing for all parties, and we wish him nothing but the best of luck in his career. Matt and his family will always be welcome at Real Salt Lake.”
Real Salt Lake opens the preseason Monday at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, one of 10 MLS teams set to open the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. RSL will face Costa Rican side CS Herediano on Feb. 19.