MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced on Thursday the club had signed veteran attacker Jon Bakero to a 25-day contract. Bakero will be available for selection in Memphis’ contest against San Antonio FC on Saturday night at AutoZone Park.    

The 27-year-old midfielder returns to the USL Championship having previously recorded 11 goals and 13 assists in 78 appearances across the regular season and playoffs. The majority of Bakero’s previous time in the league came with Phoenix Rising FC from 2018-2021, where he recorded eight goals and 11 assists in 70 appearances.

The Spanish national most recently had a stop at first tier Bulgarian league side Slavia Sofia before play with Spanish clubs Pontevedra CF and Club Lleida Esportiu. 

“Jon joins us with a wealth of experience and has had a lot of success in this league previously,” said 901 FC Acting Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “He has very good movement, finishing, and fits what we look for in a player's character. We look forward to welcoming Jon and his fiancé to Memphis.”

Bakero was drafted fifth overall by Chicago Fire in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft after being named the MAC Hermann Trophy Recipient and ACC Offensive Player of the Year among several collegiate honors. 

Analysis

Jon Bakero’s arrival at Memphis 901 FC offers another creative option for the side that can link play and chip in occasionally in the penalty area. Bakero notched 158 chances created in his 78 appearances in the Championship and was one of the key supporting figures in the Phoenix Rising FC side that set Championship scoring records in the past decade, notching a +9.11 Goals Added mark during his time at the club per American Soccer Analysis.

Coming into a Memphis side that is currently on course for another postseason trip, it will be interesting to see how quickly Bakero can regain chemistry with former college teammate Bruno Lapa. His skillset in close quarters figures to be a plus for 901 FC, and could result in a longer-term deal.