Aston Villa have invited three exciting players on trial from Jamaica this week, as they hope to follow in Leon Bailey’s footsteps.
This week Aston Villa will welcome three players from Leon Bailey’s former academy – Phoenix All Stars – on trial at the club’s academy.
The academy founded by Bailey’s agent, Craig Butler, has developed some of the most exciting young Jamaican footballers in the last few years.
Bailey is just one shining example of the excellent work Butler has done. Another is Dujuan Richards, who made the move to Chelsea last year and has been catching the eye for the club’s U21 side recently.
Now three more could follow in their footsteps, and will be hoping to impress Aston Villa’s academy coaches this week.

Who are the three Jamaican youth internationals on trial with Aston Villa this week?
Aston Villa have a good working relationship with Bailey’s former academy. Phoenix All Stars have played friendlies against Villa’s academy sides in the past, and even beat them during a tour to England back in 2021.
Given how well Bailey has done this season for Unai Emery’s side it’s no surprise that Villa are looking to recruit more talent from his homeland.
The three Jamaicans Aston Villa have invited on trial are Denzel McKenzie, Dante Peralto and Robino Gordon.
McKenzie is one of the most exciting young midfield prospects in Jamaica, who was the Most Valuable Player at the prestigious Manning Cup last year. This was the same accolade Dujuan Richards received before moving to Chelsea.
Peralto is a captain for Jamaica’s U19 national team and normally plays left-back but is known to be very versatile.
Meanwhile Gordon is a regular for Jamaica’s U20 national team and plays at right-back or centre-back. He recently scored the winner against Bermuda’s U20 side in a 3-2 win earlier this year.
Which player is also on Brentford’s radar?
The Boot Room understands that as well as Aston Villa, Mckenzie has also recently been on trial with Brentford, where he did exceptionally well.
The London based side were very impressed by the midfielder’s performances, and they are still an option for McKenzie.
Meanwhile, Peralto spent a trial at Salford City and already has a contract offer from the League Two side.
However, the trio will now try to prove themselves at Aston Villa before making a decision about their future.
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