Former Real Salt Lake defender Carlos Salcedo opened a new chapter in his career this week, joining Italian power Fiorentina on loan from Chivas Guadalajara.
A product of RSL's Arizona-based academy, the 22-year-old center back will spend a season on loan with the Serie A side, after which La Viola have an option to buy him permanently. A Fiorentina release stated that he will arrive in Florence for a physical on Tuesday.
“It was a special petition I made, which [Chivas] accepted,” Salcedo said on Sunday. “And I've been very grateful from Day One that I arrived at this incredible institution.
“I will learn a lot and receive advice from great players that I'll be with. I leave with a lot of desire to grow. It's a nice opportunity that has come up and I want to take advantage to the maximum.”
The move was officially confirmed by both sides in the wake of Chivas' 2-2 Liga MX draw with crosstown rivals Atlas in the latest edition of the Clasico Tapatio on Saturday.
“It wasn't an easy decision because he is a very good player that has given everything for the fans, but we knew about his desire to emigrate,” said Chivas sporting manager Mariano Varela on Sunday. “We have players that have been asking for an opportunity. We are relaxed in that respect.”
Salcedo has rocketed to prominence as one of Mexico's most promising young players, starring with El Tri's youth national teams before making his senior debut last year.
After spending time in the youth systems of both Chivas and Tigres, the Guadalajara-born defender joined RSL's academy in January 2012, then signed a Homegrown Player contract with the senior team a year later and made 13 MLS appearances (12 starts) in 2013 and 12 appearances (8 starts) the following season.
Impatient with his minutes up to that point, Salcedo sought a new destination in the latter stages of 2014 and was sold to Chivas for an undisclosed fee that winter. He helped Los Rojiblancos win the Apertura 2015 Copa MX and qualify for the 2016 Clausura playoffs (Liguilla) before his departure.
