Sunday Stephan Obayan Joins Real Salt Lake from Europe
Nigerian midfielder Sunday Stephan Obayan is set to continue his career across the Atlantic, having officially signed with Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder brings a wealth of European experience to the Utah-based club.
“I am happy to join Real Salt Lake, a club with a winning tradition in a competitive league like MLS,” Obayan said in a statement relayed by Foot Africa 365. “I intend to take on this new challenge and surpass myself in order to achieve success and help my new teammates win trophies.”
Obayan has spent the majority of his professional career in Spain, featuring for a string of clubs including Valencia, Betis Sevilla, Osasuna, and Numancia, where he played for three seasons in the Segunda División between 2010 and 2013. He also had stints with CSKA Moscow in Russia and Alanyaspor in Turkey, gaining valuable experience across European leagues.
RSL Managing Director Craig Waibel highlighted Obayan’s attributes and potential contribution to the squad. “We have signed a player with undeniable physical and technical qualities who covers a lot of space in midfield,” he said. “He will have to adjust to the style of play in America, but there is no doubt he will bring immediate quality to our squad.”
Internationally, Obayan has a diverse background, having represented Spain at U-19, U-20, and U-21 levels between 2007 and 2009 before playing for Nigeria at the 2010 African Cup of Nations, including a match against Guinea. Over an 11-year career spanning eight clubs, the midfielder has scored three goals but has been valued more for his defensive discipline, work rate, and tactical intelligence in the middle of the park.
Real Salt Lake are banking on Obayan’s combination of European experience and international exposure to strengthen their midfield ahead of the upcoming MLS season. With his arrival, the club looks to solidify its competitive edge and challenge for honours both domestically and in regional competitions.
Obayan’s move marks another step in the growing trend of experienced European players transitioning to MLS, bringing technical expertise and leadership to the league while adapting to the unique demands of North American football.
