Simon Dawkins is coming back to San Jose.
The Earthquakes announced Wednesday they have signed the Jamaican international midfielder to a Designated Player contract. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Dawkins, who spent the past three years in the English Premier League and English Championship, returns to San Jose, where he played two seasons on loan from 2011-12. Over his two campaigns with the Quakes, the 28-year-old winger made 40 starts in 53 league appearances, scoring 14 goals and three assists and helping the team claim the 2012 Supporters’ Shield.
The acquisition of Dawkins is San Jose's second major move of the offseason after adding former Seattle Sounders forward Chad Barrett last month.
"We're delighted to welcome Simon back to San Jose," San Jose general manager John Doyle said in a team statement. "He has a tremendous amount of experience in England as well as internationally. Simon is also proven player in Major League Soccer and helped the club win the Supporters' Shield in 2012. He will be a key part of our attack."
Dawkins and forward Chris Wondolowski are the only Earthquakes to score six or more goals in consecutive seasons since the club's return to Major League Soccer in 2008. He is also the only midfielder in club history to score 14 or more goals over a two-year period.
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Dawkins has spent the last two seasons with Derby County of the English Championship, tallying nine goals and seven assists in 73 appearances. He helped lead them to a third-place finish and a spot in the promotion playoffs during the 2013-14 season.
He previously spent time on loan with Aston Villa during the 2012-13 season, making four total appearances, including his Premier League debut on Feb. 10, 2013 in a 2-1 win over West Ham United.
On the international stage, Dawkins has earned 20 caps for the Jamaican national team since making his debut on May 26, 2014, scoring three goals. He most recently tallied during a World Cup qualifying match against Nicaragua on Sept. 9, 2015.
