Houston Dynamo FC has acquired midfielder Derrick Jones from Nashville SC in a trade for $100,000 in 2021 General Allocation Money and $150,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money, the Club announced today.
Additionally, Houston acquired the sixth overall selection in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft and $200,000 in 2021 General Allocation Money from the Colorado Rapids in a trade for the third overall selection in this year’s draft. Houston could also receive an additional $50,000 of conditional 2022 General Allocation Money from Colorado as a part of the deal.
Jones was a key part of Nashville SC’s inaugural team in 2020, making 18 appearances and nine starts in midfield and recording two assists. He also appeared in all three of Nashville’s playoff matches. Jones has appeared in 44 matches, starting 20, since making his Major League Soccer debut for the Philadelphia Union on March 6, 2017. A 6-4 central midfielder, Jones is a towering presence in the center of the midfield.
“We are pleased to add a midfielder to our roster like Derrick who will bring athleticism, mobility and energy to our team,” said SVP and General Manager Matt Jordan. “He is a player we’ve targeted for quite some time and someone who our staff has worked with in the past.”
The 23-year-old has been a part of the U.S. National Team system since 2016 when he made his debut with the Under-20 National Team for then-coach Tab Ramos. Jones made four appearances for the United States in the 2017 U20 World Cup, helping America reach the quarterfinals of the tournament. Jones also made two appearances for the United States U23 National Team in 2019.
“Derrick is a player I know very well. Although he is young, he already has four years of experience in the league and knows what it’s like to be a starter for a playoff team,” Ramos said. “He has a big career ahead of him and we feel fortunate and excited that it will be here in Houston.”
Born in Bantama, Ghana, Jones represented that country at the Under-15 level before moving to America at age 14. He holds dual citizenship in the two countries, which enabled him to represent the United States as well.
Jones was the first-ever signing for Bethlehem Steel FC in in the United Soccer League and made his professional debut for the club on April 10, 2016. He scored five goals in 26 appearances for Bethlehem Steel, earning him a Major League Soccer contract with the Philadelphia Union ahead of the 2017 season.
With the addition of Jones, the Dynamo now have 26 players under contract for the 2021 MLS season.
TRANSACTION: Houston Dynamo FC acquire midfielder Derrick Jones from Nashville SC in a trade for $100,000 in 2021 General Allocation Money and $150,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money. Additionally, Houston Dynamo FC acquire the sixth overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft and $200,000 in 2021 General Allocation Money from the Colorado Rapids in a trade for the third overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. Houston could also receive an additional $50,000 of conditional 2022 General Allocation Money from Colorado as a part of the deal.
