Stoke City face stiff competition from the Premier League to keep hold of academy talent Jaden Dixon this summer, according to the latest reports.
Dixon moved to Stoke-on-Trent from London outfit Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of the season and has had an excellent spell with the Potters. Following his superb displays for the club’s U18s and U23s, the 17-year-old earned a call-up to the England U17s national team, playing 90 minutes in a 5-1 win over Northern Ireland back in March.
The youngster has yet to make his first-team debut for Stoke City but was named on the bench during a 2-0 defeat away at eventual champions Leicester City in October. While he never got onto the pitch, it was certainly a valuable experience for the centre-back.
Overall, Dixon has made 21 appearances in all competitions across Stoke’s U18s and U23s. Primarily being deployed in his natural position as a central defender, the teenager has also been utilised in midfield at times, helping him gain valuable experience in both roles.
Now, there is reported interest from clubs in the Premier League for Dixon’s signature. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Stoke have offered Dixon a professional deal in the hopes of keeping him at the club but there are two sides in the top-flight hoping to entice him away from the Potters.
🔴⚪️🏴 Understand Stoke City are pushing to keep 16 year old England international Jaden Dixon as they’ve offered him pro deal again.
There’s interest from 2 PL clubs but Stoke are confident they can offer Dixon a pathway to first team football. pic.twitter.com/naOQLWsLX4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2024
Nevertheless, speaking to club media recently, Dixon admitted that he believes Stoke can offer him a greater pathway to first-team football than any other club.
“I thought it was the best option for me and I believe the pathway into the first team is better here than anywhere else.”
Writer’s View
Dixon is one of the finest talents in the academy system at Stoke City and so it is of paramount importance that the club tie him down to his first professional deal to avoid any bigger teams swooping in and acquiring his services.
The youngster has already had experience at Spurs and should know just how difficult it is to compete among the ranks at a top side. Staying with the Potters in the immediate future would be wise and could allow him to be a squad player within the next two seasons.