Though it’s only the second official day of Minnesota United preseason, today has seen at least a week’s worth of new player acquisition news.
Reports from today’s practice indicate that Minnesota native Ismaila Jome and Finnish international midfielder Rasmus Schuller will soon be signed to the official roster.
Meanwhile, NASL veterans Lance Laing, Sammy Ndjock and Tiago Calvano are reportedly training with the team, according to the Star Tribune’s Megan Ryan.
The club also announced two new official signings in Bernardo Anor and Jermaine Taylor.
Anor, a 28-year-old midfielder who can play in a wide array of positions, joined United last season for its swan song in the NASL, but struggled to contribute almost at all due to an injury-plagued campaign. When he played he showed flashes of outstanding technique and dribbling ability, but still his overall contribution remains a mystery. Though Anor would appear to have the necessary credentials having been a member of Sporting Kansas City for five seasons. He appears to be a favorite of the club’s Sporting Director Manny Lagos.
Taylor, a defender and Jamaican international, arrives having played most recently with the Portland Timbers and having started in 21 of his 23 appearances. At age 32, Taylor has appeared in 80 matches for his national team. This move screams defensive depth and with his experience, Taylor dovetails nicely with, say, center-back Brent Kallman who is much younger but completely unproven in the top flight of American soccer.
Schuller is the biggest news of the day as he arrives from the Swedish first division and is among the few players United have felt strongly enough about to purchase via a transfer fee in addition to paying him his contract. Schuller appears to be a conservative holding midfielder as he’s only scored 16 goals in 169 appearances at club level.
“He’s the perfect age for our club at 25. He’s an experienced national team player with Finland,” Head Coach Adrian Heath said in a release. “When we were first looking at him he kept jumping out at us. We spoke to his national team coach and former head coach and each were incredibly complimentary of his talents and his character. We have made it a point to sign players that are right for this club both on and off the pitch, and he fits into that mold perfectly.”
With the addition of Schuller central defensive midfield appears to have quickly become United’s deepest position considering the MLS experience of Collen Warner and Mohammed Saeid.
Schuller’s video highlights ironically show is goal-scoring prowess, but, again, the stats tell you not to expect it on a regular basis.
