Quakes Sign Sweden’s Reigning Top Scorer Magnus Eriksson as Designated Player

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed Swedish midfielder/forward Magnus Eriksson as a Designated Player, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Eriksson joins the Quakes after co-leading the top-flight Swedish Allsvenskan with 14 goals in 2017 and finishing as a finalist for the league’s Most Valuable Player and Midfielder of the Year awards.

“With Magnus, we have identified an impact player that embodies the attitude we want to represent in San Jose and the technical qualities of a leading goal-scorer in Europe,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “His ability to play multiple roles in the attack and his work ethic defensively were major factors in our decision to pursue him. He is in great form, having led Sweden’s top league in scoring last season, and is an elite attacking player that has maintained a high level of consistency over the last five years.”

Eriksson, 27, comes to San Jose after a season and a half with Sweden’s Djurgardens IF. In his lone full season with the club in 2017, Eriksson co-led the league with 14 goals, and was one of just two players to score more than 10 during the campaign. He was also among the league leaders in assists with seven. His strong play helped Djurgardens rise from seventh place in 2016 to third in 2017, marking their best finish since 2007.

“I have had the opportunity to coach with and against Magnus for many years in Sweden,” said Earthquakes head coach Mikael Stahre. “I have known him since he was very young and even played a role in his decision to pursue a career in soccer instead of ice hockey. He is a very versatile player, capable of contributing from multiple positions, and will always work hard for his teammates. I’m looking forward to having him on my side once again this season.”

Eriksson began his career at the youth ranks of his hometown club AIK Solna, moving to AFC Eskilstuna in January 2008 at 17 years old. During his three seasons with Eskilstuna, he tallied 11 goals and four assists in 56 appearances across all competitions.

He then moved to Åtvidaberg of the Swedish second-tier Superettan in January 2011. In his first season with the club, Eriksson tallied 15 goals and five assists in 30 appearances to help the side earn promotion to the Allsvenskan with an 18-9-3 record. His scoring total that season ranked third in the league.

The following year, his first in the nation’s top-flight, Eriksson scored 11 goals and added four assists in just 20 games before being transferred to Belgium’s K.A.A. Gent in August.

Returning to his native Sweden in January 2013, Eriksson joined Malmo FF, who were coming off a third-place finish the year prior. He led the side to a championship in his first year, finishing with a team-high 11 goals and a league-high 14 assists. For his efforts during the campaign, Eriksson was named a finalist for the Allsvenskan’s Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year awards. He also added one goal and four assists in five games during the Swedish Cup en route to the semifinals of the competition.

Eriksson then tallied five goals and seven assists in 30 games during the 2014 Allsvenskan season, scoring two more goals in consecutive Europa League Qualifiers against Scottish club Hibernians FC. He helped Malmo win the championship for the second consecutive year, becoming the first Swedish side to successfully defend a title since 2003.

He then had stints with Beijing Renhe and Bröndby IF of China and Denmark, respectively, before signing with Djurgardens in 2016.

Internationally, Eriksson scored two goals in 12 appearances for various Sweden Youth National Teams between U-15 and U-21 before later earning a cap with the senior team in a friendly against Moldova. He was also recently called to the 2018 January Camp as part of preparations for next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Eriksson is left-footed and has played primarily as a center forward or right midfielder.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes sign M/F Magnus Eriksson as a Designated Player.