Toronto FC announced today that the club has acquired midfielder Nelson Palacio in a cash-for-player trade from Real Salt Lake, in exchange for $1.1 million and up to $550,000 in conditional cash if certain performance-based metrics are met. Additionally, Real Salt Lake will retain a sell-on percentage if the player is traded or transferred. Palacio will occupy a U-22 Initiative roster slot during the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, and he will be added to the club’s roster pending the receipt of his medicals and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“We are delighted to add Nelson to our club this summer as he will provide both defensive intensity and physicality to the midfield group,” said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez. “At only 25 years old, he has already gained considerable experience both abroad and domestically, with a strong understanding of MLS. We look forward to our work together in 2026 and beyond.”
Palacio, 25, spent the 2025/26 season with FC Zürich on loan from Real Salt Lake, where he made 34 combined appearances, including his debut against FC Sion in the Swiss Super League on July 25, 2025. He signed a professional contract with Real Salt Lake in June 2023 and made 55 appearances for the Western Conference club across three seasons (2023, 2024, 2025). The defensive midfielder made his MLS debut against Sporting Kansas City on July 12, 2023, and scored his first goal for the Claret and Cobalt against FC Dallas on May 25, 2024.
The Apartadó, Colombia native originally joined Atlético Nacional at the age of six before signing his first professional contract with the First Team as an 18-year-old ahead of the 2020 season. He spent the 2020/2021 season on loan with Valledupar FC (Colombia, Second Division), where he made 35 combined appearances. Upon his return, Palacio scored three goals in 85 appearances across three seasons (2021, 2022, 2023) for Atlético Nacional and helped Los Verdolagas lift the Copa Colombia (2021), Categoría Primera A – Apertura (2022) and Superliga Colombiana (2023) titles.
Internationally, Palacio represented Colombia at the U-23 level and has earned one cap with the Colombian Men’s National Team, making his debut in a friendly against South Korea on March 24, 2023.
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC acquire midfielder Nelson Palacio in a cash-for-player trade from Real Salt Lake, in exchange for $1.1 million and up to $550,000 in conditional cash if certain performance-based metrics are met. Additionally, Real Salt Lake will retain a sell-on percentage if the player is traded or transferred.
NELSON PALACIO - # 6
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthdate: June 16, 2001 (Age – 25)
Hometown: Apartadó, Colombia
Nationality: Colombian
Pronunciation: pah-LAH-see-oh
Last Club: Real Salt Lake
