East signs new deal, looks to Europe
Published:Friday | December 27, 2019 | 12:18 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Former Portmore United striker Javon East has expressed his delight after recently signing a three-year deal with top-tier Costa Rican side Santos de Guaplies ahead of the upcoming season, which begins next month.
East, who joined the club on loan from Portmore United in June, said that he is overjoyed that Santos have put their faith in him and have decided to make the deal permanent. He is hoping that the move will open doors for other opportunities in the future.
“I am feeling good about this because it is a start to push my career towards Europe,” said East. “I think that I just have to start the season good and finish it good in order to stand a chance to make it into Europe.”
VITAL ROLE
The 24-year-old East, who was the joint top scorer in the Red Stripe Premier League last season with 12 goals, played a vital role in helping Portmore secure back-to-back titles in the last two campaigns.
The former Calabar Manning Cup standout was also Santos’ top goalscorer last season with 10 goals to his name from 18 games played, which placed him three short of AD San Carlos’ Alvaro Saborio, who led the league with 13 goals.
East, who made his senior debut for the Reggae Boyz against South Korea in Turkey in 2018, added that he is now hoping to increase his goal tally next season and get the attention of European clubs.
“This contract is also a much better chance to advance anywhere in the world and to get a bigger contract anywhere else,” East said.
“My aim for next season is to score 20-plus goals because from the first week that I went there, I adapted to their style of play and so I know that can hit this target,” he said.
East underlines that he plans to work much harder in order to achieve his goals and aspirations next season.
“I think next season is going to be a bit tougher because my opponents in the league know about me now, and so I am going to have to double my work ethic going forward in the competition,” he said.
East is one of three foreigners in the Santos squad.