Real Salt Lake has acquired $1.1 million in cash from Toronto FC in exchange for Colombian international Nelson Palacio, according to a club announcement on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The trade marks the first-ever intra-league cash-for-player transaction in Real Salt Lake history. The deal also includes potential performance-based individual and team considerations that could add up to an additional $550,000 to the club's General Allocation Money accruals over the next three years. Additionally, Real Salt Lake will retain a sell-on percentage if Palacio is transferred or traded.
Palacio, 25, recently finished a year-long loan at FC Zurich in the Swiss SuperLeague. He originally arrived in Utah in the summer of 2023 via a permanent transfer from Atlético Nacional.
During his time with the club, Palacio appeared in 48 Major League Soccer regular and post-season matches, along with 10 combined appearances in competitions including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and MLS NEXT Pro. He had occupied one of the club's four U22 roster designations during the past three seasons.
Palacio scored two goals during the 2024 campaign, including a game-winning goal against Atlas FC in the Leagues Cup and a late equalizer against Dallas.
Real Salt Lake currently ranks third in the MLS Western Conference and is tied for fifth in the MLS Supporters Shield race. The club holds an 8-4-2 record through the first 14 games of the 2026 season, marking its second-best 14-game start in its 22-year history.
The team has recently resumed summer preseason sessions at the Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman. Upcoming fixtures include a match against Burnley FC at America First Field in Sandy on July 15, followed by a return to regular season action against Los Angeles Football Club on July 22.
