Real Salt Lake has completed the permanent acquisition of 19‑year‑old Serbian midfielder Dušan Žagar from FK IMT Belgrade during the 2026 MLS secondary transfer window, securing his services through the 2028/29 MLS season with two option years that extend the contract to June 30, 2031.
Born on October 28, 2006, in Belgrade, Žagar entered the professional game after a stint with the Red Star Belgrade Academy and 42 appearances for IMT Belgrade, where he contributed three goals; his background reflects a blend of academy training and senior experience that aligns with Real Salt Lake’s development objectives.
The acquisition follows a pattern of strategic investments in youth, exemplified by the successful signings of Andrés Gómez and Zavier Gozo, and comes as the club enjoys a 10‑2‑2 record across all competitions this season and a 18‑5‑4 run since June 1, 2025 at America First Field.
Žagar said the move feels like a dream realized, emphasizing his excitement to join the club and his commitment to the fans, a sentiment that reflects the growing confidence within the RSL roster.
The club’s next marquee event will be a home showdown against Los Angeles Football Club on September 5, 2026, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time, a fixture that will test the squad’s depth as the new signing integrates into the lineup.
Building a Future Through Youth
Real Salt Lake’s decision to bring Žagar into the U22 roster is part of a broader vision to cultivate talent from within and complement the existing core, a strategy that has already yielded tangible results on the pitch.
Scouts in Serbia identified the winger early in his career, navigating competition from several European clubs, and the club’s partnership with the Red Star Academy provided a clear pathway for his development, reinforcing the notion that MLS teams can successfully source promising players from abroad.