National striker Romario Williams has signed a two-year deal with Egyptian Club Al Ittihad, ending his seven-year stay in the United States playing in the various tiers. The announcement was confirmed on the club's website on Saturday and the 26-year-old is expected to arrive in Alexandria this week.

Williams previously played for Miami FC in the United Soccer League (USL) championship last season, and now joins countryman Damion Lowe in Egypt, having signed for Al Ittihad on November 28 and already made his club debut on December 1, a 2-1 defeat to Egyptian Premier League champions Al Ahly in the Egypt Cup semi-finals.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, Williams says that he is thankful to be embarking on a new phase in his career. "Looking forward to my next chapter with this historic club. Excited and grateful for this opportunity. #Godisincontrol," he said.

Head coach Hossam Hassan and club football director Ibrahim Hassam were both complimentary of Williams' technical attributes, and said on the club's website that they consider him a "strong addition" to the team's attack.

Professional journey

Williams' professional journey started in 2015 when he was drafted by Major League Soccer (MLS) club Montreal Impact. He was sent on loan to USL team Charleston Battery before being traded to Atlanta United in 2017. When he was sent back on loan to the Battery for the 2017 season, he made 17 appearances in 2018 for United, in a campaign that saw the club win the MLS Cup championship in only their second season of existence. He played two more times for the club in 2019 before being traded to the Columbus crew that July.

Williams scored eight goals in 16 appearances for Miami FC last season. The 2020/21 Egyptian Premier League season is scheduled to begin December 11.

- D.W.