TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:\u00a0Signing<\/p>\n
Real Salt Lake<\/a> have acquired defender Lukas Engel<\/a> from EFL Championship side Middlesbrough, the club announced Friday.<\/p>\n The 27-year-old former Denmark youth international is signed through December 2028 with an option for the 2028-29 MLS season.<\/p>\n Engel spent 2025 on loan with FC Cincinnati<\/a>, contributing six assists in 41 games across all competitions for the Orange and Blue.\u00a0<\/p>\n Before his 2023 move to Middlesbrough, he played in his native Denmark with Kastrup BK, Fremad Amager, Vejle BK and Silkeborg IF.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m obviously really happy and proud to have signed with Real Salt Lake. For me, this feels like the correct next step in my career,” said Engel.\u00a0<\/p>\n “The club has shown a lot of confidence in me, which is quite meaningful. After talking with the coaching staff, as well as [sporting director] Kurt Schmid, I strongly felt the ambition and the plan for the project. That really motivates me, and I\u2019m excited to get started, work hard, and give everything I have for the team and the fans.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Real Salt Lake kick off their 2026 season on Feb. 21 at Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a>\u00a0(7:30 pm ET |\u00a0Apple TV<\/a>).<\/p>\n