LOCAL Premier League striker Renaldo Cephas is expected to arrive in Europe today for a medical examination to formalise a transfer from Arnett Gardens FC to North Macedonia club champions KF Shkupi.

On Saturday, both Arnett Gardens and the player’s agent Kevin Cowan confirmed the three-year deal which is contingent on the 22-year-old player passing the medical.

“Shkupi and Arnett Gardens have agreed to the transfer terms of Renaldo Cephas,” Cowan told the Jamaica Observer when contacted on Saturday.

“However, it’s important to note that the deal is not yet formalised as the player must first pass a medical exam, which is expected to be done early next week,” the agent said.

“It’s a very big opportunity for Cephas. They [Shkupi] are the current league champions of North Macedonia and as such, they will participate in the UEFA Champions League qualification rounds next season,” Cowan added.

Arnett Gardens Club President Mark Golding welcomed the move.

“It is a very positive development for the club and for the community; it’s our first-ever European signing of a player. We knew that he had the prospect of playing for an international club,” said Golding.

Cephas, blessed with electric pace and a knack for scoring goals, was a standout for Charlie Smith High in schoolboy football and has made the transition to Jamaica’s top-tier club league. He is Arnett’s top scorer this season with 10 goals.

Cowan said European football offers the chance for Cephas to develop into a complete player.

“Physically, he’s quite the talent; however, he’s very raw tactically and his technique can also improve. Make no mistake though, he is a high-potential player, and with the right mindset he can achieve a lot of success. I’m looking forward to seeing his development over the next 12 to 18 months,” he said.

Golding told the Observer that the expected move is a boost for the club’s player development thrust.

“It proves that our model of trying to develop younger players and expose them so they have the benefit of opportunities like this is a sound one. It’s an exciting development for us and one that we hope will attract more young players.

“We see Arnett Gardens as a platform for personal development and community development. We want to do well in the domestic league but we also want to create opportunities for young men from our communities,” said Golding, who is also Opposition leader and Member of Parliament for St Andrew Southern, which is home to the Arnett Gardens Football Club.