Real Salt Lake (RSL) made a significant move ahead of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by acquiring Brazilian forward Elias Manoel and four draft picks from the New York Red Bulls.

In exchange for Manoel, who scored 18 goals in two seasons with New York, RSL sent $700,000 in general allocation money to the Red Bulls.

During the SuperDraft, RSL utilized the picks acquired from New York to select three of the eight players they chose, trailing only Colorado's nine picks.

RSL's first-round selections also included Jesus Barea, a forward from Missouri State, taken at No. 19; Barea was a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and scored 15 goals in 2024.

Additionally, RSL traded for Columbus' No. 21 pick to select goalkeeper Max Kerkvliet from UConn, who may return to college under new MLS rules.

RSL finished the first round with back-to-back selections at Nos. 29 and 30, drafting forwards Lineker Rodrigues Dos Santos and Sergi Solans, which enhances their Brazilian and Spanish representation.

After the first round, RSL shifted focus to defense, selecting center-back Nick Dang at No. 49 and goalkeeper Trace Alphin at No. 59, both viewed as potential steals.

In the final round, RSL added defensive midfielder Liam O'Gara and center-back Aleksandar Vukovic, completing their draft haul of three forwards, two goalkeepers, two center-backs, and one midfielder, with four players from outside the U.S.

Despite the SuperDraft's inconsistent star production, RSL had success with 2023 pick Emeki Eneli, who was named the team's MVP in 2024 and is considered a potential U.S. men's national team prospect.

To make room for new draft picks, RSL declined options for international players Matthew Bell and Bertin Jacquesson.

Looking ahead, RSL announced their 2025 MLS schedule, opening the season on February 22 against San Jose and hosting the Seattle Sounders on March 1.