MLS Toronto FC

Toronto FC Signs Nakajima-Farran

Published on March 28, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Toronto FC announced Friday that the club has signed Canadian international midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran. As per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are very excited to get this deal finalized and bring Issey on as an official member of Toronto FC," said Toronto General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. "Issey has been training with the club on and off for a number of weeks and is quite familiar with the coaches and players. We needed to add another wide player to our roster and we are confident he will be able to fit in nicely here at TFC."

Nakajima-Farran, 29, most recently spent time on loan at Cypriot First Division club, Alki Larnaca FC from AEK Larnaca FC, also of the Cypriot First Division during the 2012-13 season. His career began with Albirex Nigata of Japan's J-League in 2003. From there he went on to play for Albirex Singapore for two seasons, and was awarded the S.League "Young Player of the Year" award in 2005. Nakajima-Farran signed with Danish First Division club, Vejle Boldklub where he helped lead the club to the league championship and promotion into the Danish Superliga. He was bought by Danish Superliga club FC Nordsjaelland in June 2007 and remained with the club before joining AC Horsens of the Danish First Division during the summer transfer window in 2009. With AC Horsens he helped lead the club to the Danish First Division championship and promotion into the Superliga for the 2010-11 season. Nakajima-Farran left the Danish club to join Brisbane Roar of the A-League on August 30, 2011. With the Roar, he helped the club secure the A-League championship during the 2011-12 season. Following his one season in Australia, he joined AEK Larnaca FC.

Nakajima-Farran has earned 30 caps for Canada, and has scored one goal. He earned his first cap in a friendly match against Hungary in November 2006. He scored against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match. He has represented Canada at three CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments (2007, 2009, 2013). His most recent cap came on November 19, 2013 in a friendly match against Slovenia.

Nakajima-Farran spent time on trial with Toronto FC during the first leg of preseason in Bradenton, Florida this past January; and has recently been training with the club over the past three weeks.

ISSEY NAKAJIMA-FARRAN #20

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'10

Weight: 160 lbs.

Birthdate: May 14, 1984

Birth Place: Calgary, Alberta

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

Nationality: Canadian

Last Club: Alki Larnaca FC

How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC on Friday, March 28, 2014

Pronunciation: "E-say Nak-ah-gee-mah Fair-in"

Check out the Toronto FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from March 28, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central