Toronto FC added some versatility to its roster on Monday, acquiring Brazilian midfielder Jackson in a trade with FC Dallas.
In return for the Brazilian, Dallas receives a conditional second round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, and an unspecified amount of allocation money.
In a media release, TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko called Jackson a “highly skilled” and “dynamic midfielder,” and claimed the 25-year-old Brazilian is “about to enter the prime years of his career.”
“Jackson is a highly versatile player who brings with him the experience of nearly 100 MLS regular season and playoff games,” Bezbatchenko said.
Jackson just completed his fourth MLS season with Dallas. During his time with the Texas-based club, he made 96 appearances, scoring 11 goals and tallying 13 assists.
Prior to coming to MLS in 2010, Jackson began his career in his native Brazil with Sao Paulo in 2007. He was member of the club’s title winning roster that year, and subsequently went on four separate loan deals with other teams in Brazil.
It’s hard to evaluate exactly how TFC made out on this deal without knowing what kind of allocation money they gave Dallas. But in Jackson, the Reds receive a versatile player in the prime of his career, and who can play a number of outfield positions, including in defence. As a result, he’s garnered a reputation as a solid utility player.
He’s also noted for his physical strength, which should come in handy for a TFC side that is lacking a midfield enforcer, as well as for his distribution skills. Toronto management is still pursuing forwards Jermain Defoe and Alberto Gilardino as potential DPs, and Jackson is the kind of player who would link up well and provide steady service to both.
