TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Extension
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jackson Yueill has signed a multi-year contract extension, the club announced Wednesday. The exact length wasn't disclosed.
The deal will keep the US men’s national teamer in San Jose until after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as he’ll look to build upon his seven caps and secure a permanent place under head coach Gregg Berhalter.
“When we first selected Jackson, who was among the youngest prospects at the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, we believed he had a lot of potential because of his ability to read the game and his unique technical skillset,” San Jose general manager Jesse Fioranelli said in a release. “Today, three-and-a-half years into his professional career, he’s earned the trust and respect of his teammates and coaching staff and has commanded the captain’s armband at a very young age."
Yueill, 23, has made 80 appearances (68 starts) since entering MLS in 2017 as the sixth overall pick in that year’s SuperDraft. The Minnesota native and former UCLA midfielder has contributed four goals and 10 assists, often playing in a tempo-setting role that affords him freedom to get forward and track back.
Yueill came into his own last year under head coach Matias Almeyda, and he’s continued to play a key role under the Argentine manager in 2020. He’s regarded as one of the best passers in MLS, capable of playing line-splitting balls for onrushing attackers.
“He’s a player that was born and raised in this club and is one of its future leaders,” Almeyda said in a release. “I speak with him a lot and the most important trait he has is that he listens. It’s up to us to keep empowering him so that he continues on his upward trajectory. He’s a national team player and he’s a youngster that has the potential to take an important step to Europe after further developing here in San Jose. He has the qualities to do so and he will be carried by his great humbleness and professionalism.”
While fighting for first-team minutes in San Jose, Yueill also played seven games on loan for USL Championship side Reno 1868 FC. However, he's now locked into the Quakes’ starting lineup and is primed to keep developing in MLS.
