MLS transfer roundup: Real Salt Lake send Jefferson Savarino to Botafogo, Minnesota United sign Derek Dodson

Teams around Major League Soccer begin pre-season preparations while also making the necessary adjustments to their rosters ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Real Salt Lake have said their goodbyes to a club icon, while Chicago Fire have added in a new face for their backline.

Here's the latest MLS transfer news you may have missed.

1. Jefferson Savarino departs Real Salt Lake for Botafogo

Brazlilian Serie A side Botafogo have signed winger Jefferson Savarino from Real Salt Lake.

Savarino, a Venezuela international, joined RSL in May 2017 on loan from Zulia before making the move permanent in 2018. The 27-year-old then departed in February 2020 for Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro before re-joining the Western Conference team in May 2022.

"We'd like to thank Jefferson for his years of service to our club," RSL sporting director Kurt Schmid said in a release.

"We wish him and his family the best as they return to Brazil, and everyone here in Utah is grateful for Sava’s contributions to our growth in recent years."

With RSL, Savarino registered 40 goals and 30 assists in 142 appearances across all competitions.

2. Andres Perea joins NYCFC via trade with Philadelphia Union

New York City FC have acquired midfielder Andres Perea in a trade with Philadelphia Union. To complete the deal, NYCFC sent the Union $650k in General Allocation Money (GAM).

Perea joined the Blues originally on loan in July, and now his move has been made permanent via a trade between the two Eastern Conference sides.

"Bringing Andres back to the club on a permanent basis was one of our key priorities, so we are delighted he returns for the start of preseason," NYC sporting director David Lee said in a release.

"Andres made a big impression with his performances on the pitch but also how quickly he assimilated into the group and what he brought to the team off the pitch and in the locker room. He is the type of character we wanted to add this offseason and his familiarity with our players, staff and style of play should help his transition this year."

Prior to his time with Philadelphia, Perea was a standout in the Orlando City midfield from January 2020 - December 2022, where he managed 86 appearances for the Lions.

3. Chicago Fire sign center-back Tobias Salquist

Chicago Fire have confirmed the signing of center-back Tobias Salquist from Danish side Silkeborg.

"We have been monitoring Tobias for almost 18 months and are impressed with many of his qualities," Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz said in a release.

"Not only do we feel that his technically ability will translate to play in MLS, but he has been a key player for a club that is well-organized and fighting for the top spots in a competitive league."

The 28-year-old Denmark international has experience in Norway, Iceland, Belgium and his native country. In Belgium, Salquist suited up for Jupiler Pro League side SK Beveren while also managing six appearances in the UEFA Conference League with Silkeborg.

Salquist has managed 250 career appearances in his career, scoring 19 goals and adding seven assists as a center-back.

4. Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer re-signs with FC Dallas

FC Dallas have re-signed goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer to a one-year contract through the 2024 season.

The 35-year-old has served as the backup goalkeeper upon re-joining the Texan side in September 2022, as he's managed just seven appearances since then.

"Jimmy has been the consummate professional during his time with FC Dallas," Dallas technical director Andre Zanotta said a in a release.

"As he takes on the additional responsibilities of assisting us in the front office, this is a great opportunity for him to grow professionally and learn the soccer business from a different perspective."

Maurer has made 71 appearances during his time with Dallas and was a nailed-on starter between the sticks from January 2020 - September 2022 while also enjoying a spell from February 2018 - October 2019.

Maurer re-signs with a twist, though. While he will continue as the second choice shot-stopper behind Maarten Paes, he will also begin helping the club as a 'Player Development Executive.'

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