Catching up with Jayden Nelson: 'I had to leave Toronto FC'

Jayden Nelson's career has been a series of ups and downs since he was sold by Toronto FC to Rosenborg BK prior to the start of the 2023 MLS season. 

Nelson had six goals in all competitions in his first campaign with the Norwegian team, which was five more than he scored in all of appearances for Toronto from 2020 to 2022 after coming up through the team's youth academy and cutting his teeth with TFC 2.

But the young Toronto-born winger was loaned out to SSV Ulm 1846 the following season. His development came to a halt in Germany as he was barely used by the second division club. Looking to get his career back on track, Nelson joined the Vancouver Whitecaps via transfer in February and it's fair to say that playing on the West Coast agrees with him.

Nelson marked his debut for the Whitecaps with a goal and three assists in the club's season opener away to the Portland Timbers. He's also played a big role in helping Vancouver climb to the top of the MLS table and to reach Sunday's Concacaf Champions Cup final vs. Mexico's Cruz Azul. 

In this one-on-one interview with TFC Republic, Nelson discusses his time with Toronto FC, his hot start with the Whitecaps and much more.