1 week ago
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ACCORDING TO reports coming out of Europe, Jamaican international defender Richard King is on the cusp of penning a deal with Scottish premiership club St Mirren in a summer transfer move.
Several reports indicate King is expected to move to the Scottish club following his season with reigning Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions Cavalier and some eye-catching performances for the Reggae Boyz.
When The Gleaner contacted Rudolph Speid, Cavalier’s sporting director, for confirmation of the reports, he declined to comment.
“I have no comment at this point. This is not something I can really speak about,” Speid said.
“All I can say is that nothing is done until it’s done.”
King has had previous experience overseas, as he briefly joined Icelandic club ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar on a season-long loan, where he made 17 appearances and scored two goals.
King is no stranger to transfer rumours, with the defender being linked to Scottish giants Rangers last year, as well as reportedly drawing the attention of Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa, West Ham United, and Newcastle United.
Despite the rumours, King stayed with Cavalier throughout the 2024-25 season, playing a leading role in their title defence.
King has not only gained attention for his accolades with his club — three JPL titles and the Concacaf Caribbean Cup — but has also excelled with the Jamaican national team.
The 23-year-old defender has featured in eight of Jamaica’s last 10 games, while playing a starting role in seven.
He also bagged his first international goal, scoring the winning penalty in Jamaica’s 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the recently concluded Unity Cup.
King’s performances on the field has earned him the admiration of Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren.
“I have been banging the drum so that he can step up to whatever level he is put in,” McClaren said.
“At the moment, he needs to get off the island and play in a better competition. He has been excellent the last two games and when he came in against the USA.”
McClaren also stated he believes King would be a great asset for a UK-based club and, if given time, will adapt to the demands of the league.
“I have told every scout in England that they should take Richard King. He might not be for now, but that boy will be because he plays to the level that he is at.
“So if he comes to the UK and plays in League One or the Championships, if given time, he would adapt to that.”
Though St Mirren are expected to land his signature, it is reported other clubs in Europe and the United States are also in the race for King.
The defender, who left the Reggae Boyz last game nursing a sore hamstring, is expected to be in action today for Jamaica in their World Cup Qualifying fixture against Guatemala at the National Stadium, before travelling to the US for Jamaica’s campaign in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
English (US) ·