Real Salt Lake re-sign midfielder Everton Luiz for 2022 MLS season

Real Salt Lake have re-signed Brazilian midfielder Everton Luiz for the 2022 Major League Soccer season.

The 33-year-old has played 66 times for the Utah club over the past three seasons since joining from Italian side SPAL.

During that time, Luiz has helped RSL reach the MLS Cup Playoffs twice, even going all the way to the Western Conference final last year. The midfielder has penned a new contract through 2022.

“We are very excited to bring Everton back to RSL for his fourth season in Utah,” Real Salt Lake general manager Elliot Fall said in a club press release. “His tenaciousness and steady presence in the midfield protects our back four and connects our build-up, while his experience with this club, in this league, and through his career amplifies his value to our locker room.

“Everton's arrival at this stage of preseason gives our coaching staff options, and we welcome the depth and flexibility he provides."

Luiz will offer important aggression and experience at the heart of the RSL midfield as Pablo Mastroeni heads into his first full season as head coach.

RSL have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far, with their only major incoming the signing of former New England Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell via free agency. Expect them to be busy, however, having allowed star attacker Albert Rusnak to depart for the Seattle Sounders.