FOLLOWING the official announcement of Kaheim Dixon’s transfer to English Football League (EFL) outfit Charlton Athletic FC on Friday, his agent Kevin Cowan and the club’s technical staff are confident the Jamaican teenage talent has the potential to develop into a standout signing.

The 19-year-old forward joined the London-based, third-tier, English club on a four-year deal after reaching an agreement with Jamaica Premier League club Arnett Gardens for an undisclosed fee, having completed a successful medical assessment. He becomes the fifth Reggae Boy to play for the club, joining the likes of former national players Jason Euell and Kevin Lisbie.

Over the last 12 months Dixon became a breakout star in local football after leading Clarendon College to the daCosta Cup and Olivier Shield schoolboy titles last December, registering an incredible 32 goals and 13 assists. He also helped Arnett Gardens finish third in the Jamaica Premier League with six goals in 16 apperances.

He broke into the senior Reggae Boyz set-up in March and made appearances in the CONMEBOL Copa America, Concacaf Nations League semi-finals, and Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers.

Dixon, who joins fellow Jamaican international Karoy Anderson at Charlton, said he’s delighted with the move.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Dixon beamed. “My first opportunity to go professional is to be at the Addicks. It’s been very good to see Karoy, another teammate from my country. I can’t wait to start playing with him,” he told the club’s website.

Cowan says Charlton is the ideal club for Dixon’s development, and expects him to inspire youth footballers locally.

“I’m really happy for Kaheim and his family because I know how hard they worked and how much they sacrificed, so to see their dreams become reality feels really amazing. I’m really excited for Kaheim to join such a profile club because I believe it’s the right fit to start his professional journey in Europe,” Cowan told the Jamaica Observer.

“When I was with him in London I got to meet with a lot of the key personnel at the club and I could see that he will be well looked after — on and off the pitch. Naturally, signing directly to England from Jamaica creates a big sensation for the local football marketplace, and it gives hope and inspiration to other youngsters dreaming of reaching this level,” Cowan added.

Charlton Manager Nathan Jones, who has experience coaching players like England stars Theo Walcott, James Ward-Prowse and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, says his priority is to improve Dixon’s game.

“Kaheim is a young, exciting talent that we have been keeping an eye on for several months, watching his progress and how he has done in the Jamaican national team alongside Karoy. We’re looking forward to working with him, developing him, and making him a better player,” said Jones.

Charlton’s Technical Director Andy Scott said he is impressed with Dixon’s personality and skills, and is optimistic he will flourish at the club.

“He has impressed our scouts with his fantastic pace and technical ability, and we are fortunate to have been able to call on Karoy and others who have been associated with Charlton for character references,” Scott said.

“He’s already represented the national team — which shows what talent and potential he has — and we are excited to see Kaheim develop under the coaching of Nathan and his staff. We’re looking forward to watching him progress and grow into the player we all believe he can be.”

Dixon will not participate in Saturday’s EFL League 1 match against Bolton Wanderers as the club is still waiting for international clearance regarding his transfer. However, he is likely to be in contention for their match against Reading on August 31.

Charlton are unbeaten so far, with two wins from their opening two games in the competition. The club is seeking promotion to the second-tier English Championship after a four-year absence. They last participated in the English Premier League in 2007 when they were relegated after a rewarding seven-year stint in England’s top flight.

Some of the club’s most notable players include former England internationals Darren Bent, Scott Parker and Scott Carson. Current England internationals Connor Gallagher and Nick Pope also had stints with the club.