A number of different reports from the Houston Chronicle, Jamaican media, Major League Soccer, and our own Dynamo Theory indicate that Jamaica national team defender Jermaine Taylor is set to join the Houston Dynamo in the coming days. The reports vary, with some indicating that Taylor is coming to Houston for a medical, the final step before signing a deal, while the others indicate that Taylor will undergo a trial before any sort of deal is offered.
Houston Dynamo President, Chris Canetti, discussed the arrangement in an interview with MLSSoccer.com. "We are interested in signing Jermaine and [are] looking to do so," Canetti said via a team spokesperson. "He is coming to town this week in what will hopefully be the final steps to completing a deal."
Regardless of the specifics of the arrangement, the Dynamo's move to sign a solid and experienced center back is a step in the right direction and could be the final defensive more the club needs ahead of the 2011 season.
The Dynamo coaching staff is familiar with the defender and scouted him extensively during the offseason, especially at the 2010 Digicel Caribbean Cup, a tournament won by Jamaica.
The 26-year-old has been labeled as a natural defender with a level head, and was outstanding throughout the tournament.
Taylor has been plying his trade in the Jamaican league, playing with St. George's Sports Club in Portland, Jamaica, and has impressed enough to earn 37 caps for the Jamaican National Team. Prior to playing for St. George's, Taylor played for Harbour View with current Dynamo midfielder Lovel Palmer.
Taylor should be familiar with the physicality and rhythm of Major League Soccer after previously going on trial early in 2010 with DC United. The defender failed to land a contract then, but looks certain to make the move abroad now.
If the Houston Dynamo make an official announcement over the coming days, the details of that announcement will be shared on SB Nation Houston.