FC Cincinnati just secured a major piece in their attempts to bounce back the next MLS season after a disappointing campaign in 2019. The team announced on Thursday that they have signed attacking midfielder Siem de Jong from Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax.
De Jong will join Cincinnati on a free transfer, but it remains to be determined if he will be signed as a Designated Player or using allocation money. The decision is expected to be made before the start of the 2020 MLS season.
The 31-year-old Dutchman played four games in the national competition for Ajax this season. He added four appearances in other competitions, including a game in KNVB Cup in which he recorded a hat-trick.
“We believe Siem will play an important role in adding to the final third and efficiency of our attack,” said FC Cincinnati’s general manager Gerard Nijkamp in a statement. “Not only does he have an impressive intelligence and skillset, but he has also played in some of the most prestigious competitions and has been a leader on and off the pitch throughout his career. We feel he will be a great addition to our club.”
Siem de Jong’s professional career was mainly linked with Ajax, where he spent a total of 10 years on two different occasions. He also played with Newcastle United and PSV Eindhoven among other teams.
De Jong’s career achievements include four national titles and one cup trophy. He was also a member of the Netherlands’ national team between 2010 and 2013.
“For me, when FC Cincinnati presented their plan of how the club is growing and how they want to build the team here in the upcoming years, I felt this would be a good experience for me,” said de Jong upon coming to U.S. “Hopefully, I can help the club and the players to build something special here.”
