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Canadian Defender Dejan Jakovic Joins D.C. United
To help solve the problem in the middle of the backline, D.C. United have acquired Canadian international Dejan Jakovic from Red Star Belgrade.
Feb 28, 2009 11:49:31 PM
D.C. United have acquired defender Dejan Jakovic from Serbian First Division club Red Star Belgrade. The Canadian international moved for an unspecified transfer fee, after spending seven months in Europe, appearing in three league games and two UEFA Cup matches.
Born in Yugoslavia, Jakovic moved to Canada in 1991. He has earned one international cap for Canada, and was an ever-present in the U-23 team that failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“We are excited to have concluded the transfer and signing of Dejan,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He possesses excellent technical abilities and has good size and speed. We look forward to having him join us as we enter our final phase of pre-season.”
Centerback has been a bit of a problem position for United, and this move helps rebuild the backline. Jakovic, 23, is expected to start next to Devon McTavish, 24, or Greg Janicki, 24. Experienced Brazilian defender Roger, 31, nearly joined the club this offseason, but decided to return to his native country for personal reasons, and so the defense will have a youthful look in the 2009 Major League Soccer season.
Prior moving to Serbia, the 6'2” Jakovic played three years for the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He will join the team officially pending the receipt of his P-visa.
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
Born in Yugoslavia, Jakovic moved to Canada in 1991. He has earned one international cap for Canada, and was an ever-present in the U-23 team that failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“We are excited to have concluded the transfer and signing of Dejan,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He possesses excellent technical abilities and has good size and speed. We look forward to having him join us as we enter our final phase of pre-season.”
Centerback has been a bit of a problem position for United, and this move helps rebuild the backline. Jakovic, 23, is expected to start next to Devon McTavish, 24, or Greg Janicki, 24. Experienced Brazilian defender Roger, 31, nearly joined the club this offseason, but decided to return to his native country for personal reasons, and so the defense will have a youthful look in the 2009 Major League Soccer season.
Prior moving to Serbia, the 6'2” Jakovic played three years for the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He will join the team officially pending the receipt of his P-visa.
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
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