FC Cincinnati gets a forward thinking midfielder

By Sean McCaffery, February 20, 2020

This is already a great deal as Siem de Jong, with 347 games, 253 starts with 109 goals and 59 assists arrived on a free transfer. That averages to just shy of a goal or assist every other game, well over that for his starts in what thus far has been a lucky 13 years as a pro. The Dutch player is here as a DP, not if the contract is bought down by MLS Roster Cmpliance Date, Feb. 28 via TAM, he will however take an international spot. The 31 year old had 5 games 2 starts with the famous AFC Ajax this season with 3 goals, so he is still very effective.

GM Gerard Mijkamp informed "We believe Siem will play an important role in adding to the final third an efficiency of our attack. He has also played in some of the most prestigious competitions. We feel he will be a great addiition to our club."

Having played in the highest of leagues in the Netherlands, England & Australia, DeJong had 2 stints with Ajax, 2007-'04 back in 2017, Newcastle United 2014-'17, PSV Eindhoven 2016-'17 & Sydney FC 2018-'19. To his credit are a quartet of Eredivise crowns, a pair of Dutch Super Cups, single Dutch Cups & A-League titles.

He added "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."

2007 saw the kickoff of his pro career with Ajax and his 244 games, 210 starts, a gaudy 78 goals and 48 assists for his first go 'round with them. Team captain 2012-'14, plus a total of 40 matches, 37 in the first 11, with 6 goals, 4 assists in UEFA Champions League & Europe League contests. The first piece of hardware was earned as Ajax took Feyenoord with the 2 game 2010 Dutch Cup. Ajax earned four straight league championships, 2010-'14, and the Dutch Super Cup over AZ Alkmaar. 2014 it was off to England and their Premier Leage team Newcastle United with 26 games, 7 starts over a pair of seasons with an assit and a pair of goals. 2014-'15 had him out due to injuries for most of the year, he did bag a goal away facing Swansea CIty, April 25 of 2015. 18 games in England then back to Holland and Eindhoven on a loan for 2016-'17, Newcastle was relegated, as De Jong was back to his old self with 23 games good for half a dozen goals and an assist in his sole year there. Next up his return to Ajax, 33 games 8 starts with 8 goals, 10 averall and 4 assist in the 3 year return to his first team. Last season, he was down under with A-League team Sydney FC, they won a title with his 21 games, 16 starts, half a dozen goals and 5 assists all told.

6 times he has played for his flag, first Aug. 11, 2010 in the Ukraine, his pair of goals came at Indonesia, June 7, 2013.

Please see the Facebook of Soccer Cincinnati Magazine for the press conference to introduce him.

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