Earthquakes acquire USMNT defender DeJuan Jones from Columbus

The Earthquakes made a move ahead of Wednesday’s MLS transfer deadline to shore up their leaky defense, acquiring left back DeJuan Jones from the Columbus Crew in exchange for general allocation money and an international roster slot.

The Quakes will send out $175,000 in general allocation money for this season and $250,000 in 2026 funds, plus the roster slot for this season.

Jones has started three matches and subbed into two more, recording one assist this MLS season. He was not in the Crew’s squad for its most recent match on Saturday against Miami. The 27-year-old Lansing, Michigan native is in his seventh MLS season and played under Quakes coach Bruce Arena with the New England Revolution for his first five seasons, including a 2021 Supporters’ Shield. He won the Leagues Cup last season with Columbus.

“DeJuan Jones is a welcomed addition to our team. He is an experienced player in the league and has the versatility to play in both our backline and midfield,” Arena said in a club statement.

Jones has eight goals and 18 assists in 157 career MLS appearances and 10 caps for the United States men’s national team. He got his first call-up for the USMNT in a pair of January 2023 friendlies and recently played in two more friendlies this January under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The move continues San Jose’s trend of swapping assets for former Arena players after adding defender Dave Romney and midfielders Ian Harkes and Mark-Anthony Kaye in a December deal with the Revolution, then bringing in goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. from New England in a separate deal.

It also follows Saturday’s loss to Sporting Kansas City in which the Quakes allowed five goals, several on obvious defensive lapses. San Jose has given up 17 goals on the season, third-worst in all of MLS.

Earlier this week, the Quakes loaned homegrown 18-year-old defender Oscar Verhoeven to San Diego in exchange for $100,000 in GAM, with a purchase option.