Minnesota United’s first addition via the summer transfer window is a familiar face.
Midfielder Aziel “AZ” Jackson, a former MNUFC player in 2021-22, has signed with the Loons on a season-ending loan through 2026, with a purchase option for the remainder of his contract, a source told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday. The news is expected to become official Thursday.
Jackson was with MNUFC four years ago, but didn’t play for the Loons in MLS. He left as an MLS Next Pro Best XI honoree after a 10-goal, seven-assist season for MNUFC2 in 2022.
At that time, Jackson was traded to St. Louis for $150,000 in 2023 GAM and other terms. He then scored one goal and had four assists for City in 2023-24, followed by four goals in 27 games for Columbus Crew in 2024. He went to Poland club Jagiellonia Białystok in 2024-25 season and didn’t score in 113 minutes before a loan to Vancouver. With the Whitecaps, he had one goal and one assist in 526 minutes last season.
Jackson has bounced around in recent years, and Minnesota gives him a chance to return to a familiar spot to see if it can be a home. During his first stint, he played for current MNUFC head coach Cameron Knowles when Knowles led MNUFC2.
Jackson, who started in New York Red Bulls’ academy, still needs to complete medical examinations in Minnesota this week before he can start training with the Loons. MNUFC starts the final 12-match stretch of the MLS season on Saturday at Real Salt Lake.
Jackson’s contract runs through June 2028, per FotMob.
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