Even RSL general manager Craig Waibel decided not to get caught up in the details of the striker’s transfer complications. All Waibel needed to know from Ortuño’s representation was if he was under contract, and if there would be a transfer fee.
Ortuño had been on Real Salt Lake’s list of potential targets since the summer, according to RSL scout Dane Murphy. Playing for Cádiz in 2016-17 in the second division of Spanish soccer, Ortuño scored a career-high 17 goals.
“Every team is looking for a striker that is going to score goals, [and] finish chances” Murphy said.