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FC Naples welcomes Jayden Onen as inaugural signing

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 12/09/24, 7:30AM EST

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2023 Young Player of the Year finalist spent past two seasons in League one with Lexington, Madison


2023 Young Player of the Year finalist spent past two seasons in League one with Lexington, Madison | Image Credit: Lexington SC

NAPLES, Fla. – FC Naples today announced the addition of 23-year-old English midfielder Jayden Onen as the club's inaugural signing, pending league and federation approval.

"Jayden's arrival marks a historic moment for FC Naples as we gear up for our debut in the 2025 season," said Naples Head Coach Matt Poland. "His remarkable journey through top academies and leagues in England and his proven track record in the USL make him an invaluable asset. We can't wait for him to showcase his abilities on the field at Paradise Coast Sports Complex."

Onen began his youth career playing in the Arsenal FC academy in 2017 before joining 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 every 1.8 matches. He made his professional debut with Reading in an EFL Championship match against Norwich City FC in December 2020 before making a second appearance for the Royals' first team in the FA Cup against Luton Town FC in January 2021.

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.

In 2023, Onen moved to the United States and signed with USL League One side Forward Madison FC. Across all competitions in 2023, Onen made 27 appearances for the 'Mingos, netting four goals and recording seven assists before being named a finalist for the 2023 USL League One Player of the Year award.

In 2024, Onen made 14 appearances for former USL League One side Lexington SC, recording one assist through 934 minutes of play across all competitions.

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.


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