Reggae Boyz defender eyeing Champions League

REGGAE BOYZ defender Damion Lowe says the options are plenty for him following his amicable agreement to leave Norwegian club IK Start.

The 27-year-old Lowe, who joined the club back in 2017 from United Soccer League side Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USA, announced via Instagram that he was leaving the Norwegian side for personal reasons and a cited a new challenge as his decision to move.

“People may feel I left because of money, it’s not about money, it’s just a personal decision. My agent and I sat down and talked about it and we put all the variables and scenarios on the table. We then contacted the club and had dialogue and we both came to a formal and professional agreement to part ways,” said Lowe.

In a statement on the club’s website, the organisation thanked Lowe for his three years of service and wished him good luck in his future endeavours.

Lowe, who helped the club gain promotion to the Norwegian Professional League in the 2018/19 season, said he had been in isolated training with the club up to April 27 before the parties met to discuss his future.

In no rush

The lanky defender, who played 57 games and scored four goals since his arrival in Norway, says he is leaving the door wide open for his next move as a free agent.

“There is a lot of interest and I have a lot of options. Almost immediately after I parted with IK Start, my phone started to ring but I am in no rush to make a decision. I am a free agent now, so I don’t have to rush. I might wait until the end of the month or mid-June to look at some offers.”

According to the defender, who is the son of former national player Onandi Lowe, clubs from six countries have shown interest in landing his signature.

“I have options everywhere, Greece, Israel, Turkey, England, Dubai and Russia even Norway itself, but Scandinavia is not where I am looking right now, I felt that I have done what I needed to do over there and I feel I am ready to take the next step of playing in the Champions League or even the Europa League.”

Lowe was keen to mention that a couple of the big-name clubs in England are showing a lot of interest. However, he was quick to point out that his next move will be based on what’s best for him and his family.

“Growing up, most Jamaicans want to play in England. However, I am a full-time pro now so at the end of the day, I have to look at the options that make sense and the move has to make sense. It’s not because it’s a big league. If someone is offering more somewhere else like stability and years on the contract, I have to look at all of that; because at the end of the day, I am getting older and I have to secure my future.”