Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen announced Thursday that the team has exercised the purchase option on the 20-year-old winger following his strong performance this season on loan from Zulia FC. Savarino, now on a permanent contract, will remain a young designated player.
The Venezuelan international finished the MLS season with six goals (one short of tying four of his teammates for the team high) and five assists (knotted with fellow winger Joao Plata for second most on the team). Savarino achieved those marks in just 22 league appearances.
The up-and-coming talent also fit in coach Mike Petke’s system, which emphasized possession as well as an aggressive attack.