Kobi Henry's Next Step as a Promising Center Back in Real Salt Lake's Plans | OneFootball

When Real Salt Lake signed Kobi Henry on loan until 2025, it didn't exactly make headlines, but it wasn’t something to overlook either. After all, we're talking about a 20-year-old with a promising past, an uncertain present, and who knows, a bright future ahead.

It’s not every day that a young player with a pedigree from academies like Orlando City and Inter Miami, a USL Championship title with Orange County SC, and a record-breaking transfer to Ligue 1’s Stade Reims pops up. Now, he's making his way to Utah, bringing with him more expectations than actual playing time on senior teams.

Henry’s name is pretty well-known among those who follow the U.S. soccer scene. He made a splash in 2021, leading Orange County to the USL Championship title, playing as though he'd been in the game for 30 years in a body that was only 18. That performance caught the eye of Stade Reims, who paid a hefty sum to bring him to France.

But over two years at Reims, Kobi only made 21 appearances for their B team and never sniffed a first-team match. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s backpedaling, but it does make you wonder: Has he hit his ceiling? Enter Real Salt Lake, a team known for giving young players a shot, especially those with something to prove.

Real Salt Lake isn't one of the flashier teams like LAFC or Inter Miami, but they make up for it with solid planning, great scouting, and above all, patience. That philosophy could be exactly what Henry needs.

Henry is the kind of player who thrives on trust and consistency. He's got the physical tools and a solid technical base. The issue so far has been the lack of chances to really show it at the highest level.

What RSL did was smart: They brought in a raw, yet moldable talent and placed him in an environment where development is key. Think about it, this is a win-win. The club gets a promising center back without spending a fortune, and Henry gets the stage to prove he’s more than just a “potential.”

Now, Henry's stint in France does raise a yellow flag. If he couldn’t break into Reims’ first team, does he have what it takes to be a reliable starter in MLS?

The answer depends on how RSL handles him. Throwing Henry into the deep end would be a mistake. He needs minutes, yes, but he also needs guidance. A gradual approach could be exactly what he needs to turn uncertainty into confidence.

And, wouldn't you know, RSL has the perfect scenario to test Henry? The team kicks off the Concacaf Champions Cup in February against Costa Rica’s Herediano. It’s a tournament that blends glamour and pressure, and putting Henry on the field early on could be the perfect opportunity to see how far he’s come. Plus, right after that, the MLS season begins with a match against the San Jose Earthquakes. It’s a golden opportunity for Henry to make a real impact and start building a positive story.