Real Salt Lake signs Slovakian international Albert Rusnak

Real Salt Lake announced Friday the signing of Slovakian international Albert Rusnak from Dutch side FC Groningen.

The club revealed the move with a statement on its website, and while terms and fees were not disclosed, as per MLS policy, the 22-year-old playmaker joins the Western Conference side as a young Designated Player.

Once-capped by the Slovakian national team, Rusnak joins Salt Lake after two seasons with Groningen. Prior to that, the attacking midfielder emerged from Manchester City's academy, prompting loan spells with Oldham Athletic, Birmingham City, and SC Cambuur before moving to the Eredivisie.

With midfield lynchpin Javier Morales off to FC Dallas, Rusnak is seen as a like-for-like replacement for the Argentine.

"We are extremely excited about what Albert can bring to our attack," Salt Lake general manager Craig Waibel said.

"The arrival from Europe of a young player of his caliber is a big move for our club," he added. "He has a really solid pedigree from one of the world's most-respected academies, and what he's done as a young professional to help FC Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie and for Slovakia on the international level are excellent indicators that he can contribute right away with RSL."