Exclusive: Stoke City gem Jaden Dixon approached about switching national team allegiance
Jamaica have made an approach to Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon to switch international allegiances, sources have told Football Insider.
Dixon, 18, has made three appearances for England’s Under-19 side, having previously represented the Three Lions at both Under-17 and Under-18 levels.
Steve McClaren‘s Jamaica are ready to offer the highly-rated centre-back a quicker pathway to senior international football through their set-up.
Jamaica are in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and are well placed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals.
Steve McClaren tempting Jaden Dixon into Jamaica call-up
Jamaica hope the Stoke City teenager will be tempted to make the switch in time to feature at the World Cup finals in the U.S.A, Mexico and Canada, which begin in June.
Dixon has made six appearances for Stoke’s senior team, but has yet to feature in the Championship this season, with this year’s appearances coming in the Premier League 2.
The centre-back, who stands at 6 ft 1in, is highly rated at the Bet365 Stadium with high hopes for his future at the club despite his current lack of involvement.
While he will have high hopes of representing England in the future after coming through the age group ranks, there is a feeling a Jamaica call could persuade him to switch.
Dixon could join Michael Antonio and Demarai Gray in Jamaica
Jamaica have been pushing forward with their efforts to strengthen the national team via changes of allegiance since McClaren was appointed last year.
Mason Greenwood is among those to make the switch recently, although Thomas Tuchel hinted he would not rule out recalling Greenwood to his England squad.
Meanwhile, big-name stars including the likes of Michael Antonio and Demarai Gray have represented the Reggae Boyz in recent years as they aim to build a competitive side.
Norwich City’s Max Aarons, who has been praised for his form at Rangers, has also been approached to make the switch although he has not confirmed his decision.
Dixon is seen as the next piece of the puzzle for McClaren, who is keen to develop the younger generation into Jamaica’s next first-team stars.
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