A day after returning Jose Cifuentes to Rangers, Toronto FC is shoring up its midfield in a trade with Real Salt Lake.
The Athletic’s Tom Bogert confirms a report from César Luis Merlo that the Reds are finalizing a deal for Nelson Palacio in exchange for $1.2 million in cash.
Palacio, 25, will occupy a U-22 initiative spot for TFC.
A native of Apartado, Colombia, Palacio had been on loan with Swiss Super League side Zurich for the past season. He appeared in 32 contests for the team, chipping in an assist.
A product of the Nacional academy, Palacio made his senior debut for the team at 19 in 2021. He would join RSL ahead of the 2023 season. Across three campaigns with the team, he made 44 appearances, scoring once and adding two assists.
Internationally, Palacio made one appearance for Colombia in a 2-2 draw with South Korea in the spring of 2023.
The Reds, currently on an extended World Cup break, return to action on July 16 with a visit to CF Montreal.
