Sligo Rovers confirmed on Friday that Romeo Parkes is leaving the club for personal reasons.
Following consultation between the player and club in recent weeks, it has become clear that Romeo must stay in North America for 2020 as there are paperwork issues with his US work permit.
The Bit O’Red have agreed to facilitate this request.
Rovers manager Liam Buckley explained what happened to Ocean FM Sport:
The Jamaican will shortly join a club in the US, who will take over his contract for 2020.
Rovers retain an option for the 2021 season.
Parkes was Rovers top scorer in the 2019 Premier Division, scoring 11 league goals. News of his departure came on the day that the first-team squad began pre-season training for the 2020 campaign.
Liam Buckley said: “This decision relates to an important aspect of Romeo’s life, his long-term future,and while he is under contract, we have to look at it from a human level.
“He was looking forward to building on his fine first season and we’ve been in contact throughout the off-season in relation to this matter. We had hoped it wouldn’t come to this. Unfortunately it has.
“We hope to see him back in Sligo one day and we wish him well. Now our focus turns to a replacement.
“The staff and I have already been pursuing that. A new striker will not arrive immediately but we hope to line something up later in the month. When we can, we’ll speak about that further.”
Romeo Parkes said: “I’d like to thank the manager and the club for facilitating this. I am sad not to be returning to Sligo in 2020 because I really enjoyed my year.
“I want to give my appreciation to the fans, they were very supportive all year and I’m sorry I won’t be back next season. I have obligations to fulfil where I am.
“I want to wish all the guys good luck in the 2020 season, I’ll be supporting Sligo and hope one day to wear the jersey again.”
