LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington SC today announced the signing of 22-year-old attacking midfielder Jayden Onen, pending league and federation approval on Thursday.

Born in Tottenham, England, Onen saw the pitch in 27 matches with USL League One side Forward Madison FC a season ago, netting four goals and recording seven assists during his tenure.

Onen began his youth career playing at the Arsenal FC academy in 2017 before linking up with the Crystal Palace FC academy later in the year. By the end of 2017, the midfielder joined the Brighton & Hove Albion FC academy. In Brighton, Onen made one EFL Trophy appearance for Albion's U-21 team. In December 2018, Onen transferred from Brighton to Brentford FC's B Team. The midfielder made 46 appearances with Brentford's B Team before signing with EFL Championship side Reading FC in 2020. Onen scored eight goals and tallied three assists in 2020 with Reading's U-23 side, averaging a goal contribution in every 1.8 matches.

After making 20 appearances with Reading's youth team, Onen transferred to EFL League One club Sheffield Wednesday FC for the 2021 season where he did not make an appearance.

Of Ugandan descent, Onen was called up to the Uganda national team for two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which were subsequently postponed in March 2020. Onen was also called into training camp for the Cranes in October 2020.

"I'm really delighted to be joining Lexington SC," Onen said. "After speaking with the gaffer and Sam Stockley, it's clear both mine and the club's ambitions align. I'm excited for the future and can't wait to play in front of the fans this season and push for a title!"

"We are pleased that Jayden has chosen LSC as his next destination on his journey," Lexington Head Coach Darren Powell said. "He was one of USL League One's top performers last year and he has the desire to continue to improve.

"Jayden works both sides of the ball from an attacking position. He has dynamic movements in tight situations with the ball where he always looks to execute in a positive manner in the final phase of the game. He is a player that can influence games and, as he improves, he can be a force in the league both in and out of possession. He is a player that can become a favorite with our fans once he arrives and gets working hard on the field."