JAMAICAN international footballer Shamar Nicholson is looking forward to a new challenge after agreeing to a season-long loan with French Ligue 1 club Clermont Foot.

In a video post on Friday the 26-year-old Nicholson said he was “very happy to join Clermont”, and passed on “thanks to everyone” for supporting his move to the Ligue 1 side.

The towering striker previously played for Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow.

His agent Kevin Cowan told the Jamaica Observer on Friday that the parties have the option to make the move to Clermont a permanent one. Cowan, however, did not provide further details of the deal.

He said Nicholson has been bubbling with enthusiasm since the move was confirmed.

“When speaking to him earlier today I could sense he was really happy, but also I could hear the seriousness in his voice when he spoke about what is in front him. He fully understands the challenge,” said Cowan.

Nicholson, who has scored 10 goals for Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz, is a powerful player who is well regarded for his aerial threat but also his overall composure in and around the 18-yard box.

He played for Boys’ Town FC in the local premier league before moving to Domzale in Slovenia. He later joined Sporting Charleroi in Belgium, followed by the switch to Spartak Moscow. The forward won the Russian Cup during his spell with Spartak.

Cowan predicted Nicholson will be a major hit in France.

“My expectation is that he will do well because he has all the physical characteristics that you need to succeed in French football, but more importantly he has an incredibly strong mindset. I’m extremely confident that he will make a big impact,” he said.

“I’m really delighted for Shamar and his family because he deserves this amazing opportunity to play in the top flight of France. His family is supportive of his career and I know they were all patiently waiting for this chance for him,” he added.

Cowan said a few clubs had recently expressed interest in the Jamaican player, particularly as the September 1, 2023 transfer window deadline approached.

“There were talks with other clubs. A few of them made offers but in the end Shamar felt that Clermont Foot was the best option for him,” the agent told the Observer.

Cowan said Nicholson was on a flight from Russia to France on Friday.

The club, located in central France, is currently at the foot of the Ligue 1 points table after losing their opening three matches of the 2023-24 season. Last season Clermont finished eighth in the league as Paris Saint-Germain won the title.