If the reports are to be believed, the Houston Dynamo are slowly edging closer to acquiring JeVaughn Watson. Watson, a Jamaican native who has featured for the national team, is a creative midfielder who would improve Houston's depth in the center of the pitch.
The midfielder has made multiple appearances for Jamaica and recently captained Sporting Central in Jamaica. While Watson seems unlikely to oust current starting central-attacking midfielder, Geoff Cameron, he would add some much needed depth to the middle of Houston's midfield.
For those of you who think Watson's name sounds familiar, it should. Watson trialed with the Dynamo during the preseason and featured in matches against Houston Baptist University, FC DAllas, Sporting Kansas CIty, and the Columbus Crew. At the end of his trial, the Jamaican was offered a deal, but unfortunately for both parties, Watson's agent reportedly was asking for Designated Player money and turned down Houston's best offers.
Fast forward a few weeks later and it seems that Watson has picked up new representation and both sides want to work out a deal quickly.
"We're continuing to carry on conversations with [Watson's representatives] and are working to get a deal done," said Dynamo president of business operations Chris Canetti.
If the deal goes through, Watson would be the third Jamaican on Houston's current roster, joining midfielder Lovel Palmer and defender Jermaine Taylor.
During his trial, Watson seemed to enjoy the presence of friendly faces and the advice his fellow Jamaicans shared with him.
"Lovel said it's a nice bunch of guys," Watson said. "He said the game is very hard, and the pace of the game is high. I think I'm up to it, because I was at Birmingham City playing there, but I never got a work permit, so I'm hoping I'll get to play here. The players are better technically, and the atmosphere and the love of football is good here."
If a deal between Watson and the Dynamo is completed soon, it may not be the last signing for Houston between now and the summer.
"We think we had a good offseason, but we've acknowledged that we're not the finished product," Houston Dynamo President Chris Canetti said. "We think the back line has been solidified with the additions we made there, and we're still out there looking for players who can help us on the attacking side."
JeVaughn Watson Info:
Name: JeVaughn Watson
Nationality: Jamaica
DOB: October 22, 1983
Age: 27
Height: 6'2"
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Current Club: Sporting Central Academy, Jamaican National Premier League.