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RSL signing Phoenix Rising midfielder Kevon Lambert, says AZ Republic
Lambert, 26, joins after six-year Phoenix tenure
Real Salt Lake is signing Kevon Lambert from Phoenix Rising, according to a report from the Arizona Republic.
Read the full report at azcentral.com
Lambert, a 26-year-old defensive midfielder from Jamaica, has played for the USL Championship side for six years, signing from Montego Bay United. He's been a semi-regular fixture with the Jamaican national team, earning 25 caps since his 2017 debut. He most recently featured for his national team at the 2023 Gold Cup, appearing in the competition's semi-final in a loss against Mexico.
The biggest question at hand is, of course, where Lambert plays. The overwhelming majority of his appearances for Phoenix Rising have been in the midfield, with a particular emphasis on a defensive midfield role. Our understanding is that this move was pursued prior to the injury to Pablo Ruiz, with rumors surfacing in the last two weeks. Whether he plays in the midfield or, potentially, at center back, remains to be seen.
This move comes after the close of the secondary transfer window, and it appears to only be possible because Major League Soccer restricts only trades inside MLS (as a league rule) and registrations of players from foreign clubs (per FIFA regulation), while no restriction appears present for players in the United States at non-MLS clubs.
From the report, Lambert:
"I'm super excited about the opportunity. I've always dreamt of moving on to the next level, to like a higher league," Lambert told the Republic. "I didn't see it coming at this point but to me, it means a lot."
