Toronto FC to Acquire Nelson Palacios from Real Salt Lake | OneFootball

Toronto FC has reportedly acquired 25-year-old Colombian midfielder Nelson Palacio from Real Salt Lake. According to reports from Cesar Luis Merlo, the transfer involves a $1.2 million package of cash and incentives, alongside a sell-on percentage retained by RSL.

The acquisition comes at a convenient time for Toronto FC. Defensive Midfielder José Cifuentes loan spell recently concluded and has returned to Scottish Premiership Side Rangers. Palacio will occupy the DM role and he carries a U-22 Initiative roster designation—which he remains eligible to hold under Major League Soccer roster rules.

Who is Nelson Palacio?

Born in Apartadó, Colombia, Palacio’s professional journey began at Atlético Nacional, one of his home country's most historic and demanding clubs. Developing through their youth ranks since the age of six, he eventually broke into the first team after a few loan spells and became a regular fixture, making over 70 appearances. During his time in Colombia, he helped the club lift multiple pieces of silverware, including the Categoría Primera A (Apertura) in 2022 and the Copa Colombia.

His domestic success caught the eye of the Colombian national team, earning him a senior cap in a friendly against South Korea in March 2023. Shortly after, Real Salt Lake brought him to MLS. While a defensive midfielder usually does not end up on the scoresheet, he scored memorable long-range stunner in the Leagues Cup in 2024 against Mexican side Atlas:

Palacio spent the recent 2025–26 season gaining valuable European experience on loan with FC Zürich. In the Swiss Super League, he proved to be a heavily utilized starter, logging over 2,600 minutes across 32 appearances.

What He Brings to TFC

Operating primarily as a defensive and central midfielder, Palacio is a ball-winning presence who excels at breaking up opposition attacks, disrupting passing lanes, and covering ground in front of the backline. During his time in Switzerland and MLS, he has shown a tremendous engine, using his physicality and high work rate to orchestrate the midfield through possession recovery and smart, simple distribution.

For Toronto FC, he provides exactly the profile they need right now: a combative, tactically disciplined shield for the defense. By handling the dirty work in the middle of the pitch, Palacio will give TFC's attacking-minded players the freedom to push forward without leaving the defense exposed on the counter.

With Cifuentes moving on, Nelson Palacio’s arrival gives Toronto a plug-and-play solution who brings a vital blend of MLS familiarity, European minutes, and South American pedigree to BMO Field.