Columbus Crew Acquire Midfielder Aziel Jackson from St. Louis CITY SC
Defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew have acquired midfielder Aziel Jackson from St. Louis CITY SC, the clubs announced Tuesday.
In return, St. Louis will receive a guaranteed $650,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) split across this season and next year. St. Louis could receive an additional $250,000 in conditional GAM and maintain a sell-on percentage if Jackson is transferred outside of MLS.
Jackson is eligible for selection with Columbus when the Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 18.
Columbus adds Jackson
Jackson, a 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI selection for Minnesota United FC’s second team, recorded 1 goal and 5 assists in 41 regular-season appearances for St. Louis. The 22-year-old also spent time in the New York Red Bulls’ academy and has one US men’s national team appearance (making his debut last January).
Jackson joins French midfielder Dylan Chambost, who was transferred from AS Saint-Étienne, as a summer addition in Columbus. Meanwhile, the Crew are reportedly transferring homegrown midfielder Aidan Morris to EFL Championship side Middlesborough.
“Aziel is a young and dynamic talent who will fit within our system and offer our coaching staff added tactical flexibility in midfield,” said Columbus general manager Issa Tall in a release.
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“We look forward to Aziel’s continued progression within our club and culture, which emphasizes individual player development within a team-focused structure.”
St. Louis reloads
St. Louis has already completed two summer signings: German attacking midfielder Cedric Teuchert (formerly with 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96) and Australian defender/midfielder Jake Girdwood-Reich (transferred from A-League side Sydney FC). The club is also reportedly adding German attacking midfielder Marcel Hartel as he departs 2. Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli.
These players are set to debut when the Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 18.
“We want to thank AZ for his time and contribution to our team as he played a key part in our successful inaugural season,” said St. Louis sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel in a statement.
“This is a mutually beneficial trade that provides us flexibility to potentially strengthen the roster in the summer, while giving AZ a fresh start in Columbus.”
Midseason standings
Columbus currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, though the team has several games in hand. Head coach Wilfried Nancy’s squad reached the Concacaf Champions Cup final earlier this year.
St. Louis, on the other hand, is in 11th place in the Western Conference standings. In contrast, they earned the No. 1 seed in the West in 2023 and set several MLS expansion-club records.
