Rosenborg completes signing of Jayden Nelson

Feb 8, 2023 - 6:35 PM

Toronto FC v New York Red Bulls" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sL3ovm4X4-YL1M1bXGQ4q5ZjbUU=/0x0:3864x2174/1920x1080/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71954229/1241393535.0.jpg" />

Another Canadian has crossed the Atlantic for European football as Jayden Nelson has now completed his move to Norwegian side Rosenborg BK, with the Brampton-born winger signing a contract until 2026. Reports in Norway suggest that Rosenborg offered between $800K-$1M USD for the Canadian youngster.

Nelson had been linked with a transfer away from Toronto FC following the end of the 2022 MLS season, where he played just under 2000 minutes in 31 league appearances for the Reds. Only Michael Bradley, Jesús Jiménez, and Alex Bono spent more time on the field in MLS than Nelson last season.

The 20-year-old, who signed his TFC first-team contract back in January 2020, leaves the club with 50 appearances and one goal in all competitions to his name.

His lone strike for the Reds came in last year’s 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake, and boy was it one to remember. His ambitious effort from distance found its way past Zac MacMath to equalize for Toronto and secure a hard-fought point on the road for Bob Bradley’s men.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Jayden and see his progress here at his hometown club,” said TFC’s head coach.

“We knew Jayden always had the ambition to play in Europe, and when the right opportunity presented itself, we worked diligently with the player to secure the move. Jayden joined us as a Homegrown Player, and we are excited for him to take the next step in his professional journey.”

During his time with the Reds, Nelson also earned his first Canadian men’s national team call-up in the same month he put pen to paper on his senior TFC contract. Nelson has featured a total of four times for Les Rouges, most recently making a cameo appearance in the 2-2 draw with Bahrain in November 2022.

Looking ahead to Nelson’s upcoming Norwegian adventure, Rosenborg finished the 2022 Eliteserien season in third, 22 points behind league winners Molde. The club’s 2023 campaign is set to begin on April 10th, 2023.

His numbers with TFC may have not been as productive as many would have hoped, especially given how often he was on the pitch in 2022, but the opportunity for Nelson to showcase his talents and continue his development in Norway will undoubtedly excite the player.

The Waking The Red team wishes Nelson all the best for the future!