RSL signs Nigerian MF Obayan from Turkey, parts ways with Jaime


3 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SANDY — Real Salt Lake added to its midfield Thursday with the signing of Nigerian international Sunday "Sunny" Stephen Obayan, and parted ways with designated player Sebastian Jaime.

The 27-year-old Obayan comes to RSL after playing for three teams since 2013, most recently with Alanyaspor in Turkey. After 76 matches with Numancia in Spain's Segunda Division from 2011-13, Obayan traversed through Eastern Europe and the Middle East with Bnei Sakhnin in Israel, CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria, and finally Alanyaspor.

"I am very happy and excited to join Real Salt Lake, a club with a winning history in MLS," Obayan said in a release. "I look forward to a successful season, challenging myself to meeting my new teammates and the fans in Salt Lake. I am coming to challenge myself in a competitive league and win titles."

A Nigerian international who received his first cap with the senior team in 2010, Obayan also played with Spain's U-19, U-20 and U-21 teams before making the switch to his native homeland. In all, he spent time with eight teams over 11 years after signing with Segunda Division side Polideportivo Ejido in 2005 on his first professional contract.

Obayan was a product of the Villareal academy system, and represents an athletic defensive midfielder to offer cover to current starters Kyle Beckerman and Luke Mulholland, among others.

"Sunny challenges the status quo. He's going to force the coaching staff to make tough decisions and force players to perform at a higher level," RSL general manager Craig Waibel said in a statement. "He's a quality player that we think can contribute right away when he adjusts to the play in America. He's really active, physically adept and technically sound. He covers a lot of space and adds to the quality of our midfield."

RSL's Sebastian Jaime points into the air as he celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Javier Morales as RSL takes a 2-0 lead over the Seattle Sounders, Aug. 22, 2015, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. (Photo: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
RSL's Sebastian Jaime points into the air as he celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Javier Morales as RSL takes a 2-0 lead over the Seattle Sounders, Aug. 22, 2015, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. (Photo: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

In addition to the move, RSL announced Thursday it has parted ways with designated player Sebastian Jaime by mutual consent. The 28-year-old striker came to RSL on a DP contract in 2014, and finishes his time at Rio Tinto Stadium with six goals and two assists in 33 matches.

Jaime appeared to be coming into form midway through the 2015 season, when he scored four goals and added two assists in a seven-match stretch. But injuries limited his appearances with the Salt Lake side, and the re-acquisition of Yura Movsisyan at center forward last week allowed Jaime to move to Universidad Catolica in Chile, where he played previous to RSL with Union Espanola (2011-14) and La Serena (2010).

"Sebastian made some great contributions to the club and I appreciate coaching a player so committed to the organization," RSL coach Jeff Cassar said in a statement.

RSL opens the preseason next week in Oceanside, California, before beginning the 2016 season in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals Feb. 24 against Tigres UANL in Monterrey, Mexico.

Photos

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

SportsReal Salt Lake
Sean Walker

    ARE YOU GAME?

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast