Lowe opts out of contract with Al Markhiya

While national defender Damion Lowe believes he will be playing his club football in the middle east next year, it will not be with Qatari club Al Markhiya.

The 27-year-old had signed a pre-contract agreement with the club and was expected to join the outfit after his recent stint with United Soccer League (USL) championship club Phoenix Rising FC ended. However, in an interview with 876StreamJA on November 26, Lowe revealed that he would be triggering the clause in the agreement which allows him to seek another opportunity should it present itself.

"I've been in talks with three teams from the Middle East and two teams from Europe, but I think I'm kind of more swaying towards the Middle East for obvious reasons," he said. "It's a pandemic and I urge every young player to secure their future regardless of [what] anybody says."

Lowe was released by mutual consent by Norwegian Club IK Start in May after a three-year stint with the club. He signed a short-term deal with Phoenix Rising in September. His brief spell with the club included making five appearances and contributing to the team's Western Conference Title and advancement to the USL Championship Final.

Final cancelled

However, because of multiple COVID-19 cases from their championship opponents, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the final was cancelled, bringing an abrupt end to the 2020 campaign. Lowe says that once young players focus and apply themselves, they will shine in wherever destination they land.

"Your quality remains the same once you are a good pro and you train hard and stick to what you are used to," he said.

Lowe recently captained the Reggae Boyz in two international friendlies against Saudi Arabia. He says that an announcement regarding his new club is expected shortly.