Gerald is a Jambo

Heart of Midlothian is delighted to welcome Costa Rican internationalist Gerald Taylor to the club.

The full-back joins the Jambos, subject to international clearance, visa and Scottish FA approval, on a season-long loan deal from Costa Rican top-flight side Deportivo Saprissa.

23-year-old Gerald is regarded as one of his country’s rising stars, having become a mainstay at Costa Rica’s most successful domestic club and a regular for the national team.

A tall and athletic defender, Gerald made his Deportivo Saprissa debut in February 2022, and would gain continental experience by featuring against Mexican side UNAM Pumas in a CONCACAF Champions Cup – the North and Central American Champions League equivalent – round of 16 defeat.

The following season began a period of domination. Gerald made 42 appearances for his club as Los Morados completed a league double by winning the Opening Tournament – beating Kenneth Vargas’ Herediano in the final – followed by the Grand Final.

That was replicated last season, as Saprissa lifted both the Opening Tournament and Closing Tournament league titles. Gerald featured 52 times and scored three goals, his first coming against MLS side Philadelphia Union in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Away from the domestic scene, Gerald has won caps at U21, U22 and U23 levels for Costa Rica. His first appearance for the A squad came in 2023 and to date he has won seven caps, scoring one goal. Gerald was, along with Kenneth, part of Costa Rica’s Copa America squad that agonisingly missed out on qualification from the group stages a short time ago.

He now substitutes the burgundy of Saprissa in his homeland for the maroon of Hearts, his new home.

Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Head Coach Steven Naismith said: “A lot of work has been done on this deal so it’s fantastic that we’re now able to welcome Gerald to the club.

“You look at what Gerald has crammed into his career at such a young age – league titles, continental experience, international caps – and it’s clear to see that he is a winner.

“His hard work, along with his talent, has got him to where he is today and I think the exciting thing is that there is more to come from him.

“Being an international teammate of Kenneth is a bonus in that he will be able to help Gerald settle, and we’ll also give him time and the benefit of our experience to ensure that he continues his trajectory and becomes a success at Hearts.”