Kaheem Parris grabs interest across Europe
Published:Tuesday | February 8, 2022 | 12:07 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
FC KOPER winger Kaheem Parris has been generating interest from clubs across Europe following standout performances in the first half of the Slovenian Prva (Premier) League season.
Parris, one of the club’s leading attackers with five goals and three assists, has been attracting increasing interest, especially from Belgium, with Parris’ agent, Kevin Cowan, predicts a summer move for the 22-year-old.
“Based on the calls I have been receiving from clubs across Europe, it is highly probable Kaheem Parris will transfer this summer.
“The majority of the interest is from the Belgian top-flight. There have also been a few inquiries from Switzerland, but with the success of Kaheem in the first part of the season and the footprint Jamaicans have had in Belgium, they are tracking him very closely,” he said.
Enquiries started in the January transfer window, but no offer met the club’s evaluation.
The club is also in a very promising position to win the league and cup and advance to Europe, and is very reluctant to let go of its star player, with so much at stake.
FIGHTING FOR THE TITLE
“They [FC Koper] are very keen to have the player until the end of the season, because they are fighting for the title and they are in the cup semi-finals.
“They believe they have a very good opportunity with Parris to win the league and qualify for the Champions League play-offs or go into the Europa Conference league play-offs,” said Cowan.
“It will take approximately a million euros to get the deal done, and based on his performance in the second half of the season that could increase,” he noted.
According to Cowan, Parris may have to improve his physicality to better acclimatise to the demands of the Belgian top-flight
“The Belgian league is very physical, so transition could be tricky. The technical side and tactical awareness are no issues, but the league is very demanding physically.
“We will have a nutrition and strength programme for him to follow closely in the preseason. The club which the player joins, we will have discussion with them to help make his transition a smooth one,” he said.
He added that the player was disappointed at not being part of the Gold Cup tournament or World Cup qualifying, but is still very motivated to make an impression with the national team.
“Even though he has been overlooked by the national team, he is still hoping to impress. Parris wants to play for the national team. He was disappointed at not being involved in the Gold Cup and in the World Cup qualification.
“He’s a competitor who believes in himself, and he has been waiting patiently for them to call on him so he can show them that he has something to contribute,” said Cowan.