Alexander Bicknell earns move to Portuguese club Leixoes
Published:Monday | February 5, 2024 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
After a number of years playing in Germany youth leagues for SC Bonner and Fortuna Koln, then in Belgium for URSL Visé, Phoenix Academy graduate Alexander Bicknell has earned a move to Portuguese second division club Leixoes SC.
The 18-year-old got a trial with the club after his coach in Germany, Emil Pollman, shared a promotional video of the player with some colleagues including Fernando Meira, a FIFA Agent and CEO of MNM Sports Management, who was very impressed.
It did not take the former Mona high star long to to convince the club of his quality on the trial, and he was quickly signed to their first team.
Bicknell said that the opportunity is an amazing one and that he is happy to make the step up to a higher level, and that he is ready to make the most of this chance.
“I have only been at Leixoes SC for a few days but I am so happy here. The team training and level of play is excellent with many international players.
“Now my job is to continue training extra hard and to always go the extra mile to get to the top. I was training three times per day before I left Jamaica, so I am feeling extra strong, prepared and match ready,” he said.
The player is hoping to acclimatise very early to his new surroundings, and he credits Phoenix Academy boss Craig Butler, Pollman and Meira for his development and progress
“They coach in English and Portuguese. I will start Portuguese lessons on Monday (today). Everyone in Portugal has been so welcoming and kind and I am extremely grateful to Craig Butler for spending hours to coach me and help get me opportunities throughout my life.
“Emil Pollman and Fernando Meira have both played a huge role in getting me this lifetime opportunity in Matosinhos, Portugal,” he said.
Bicknell started out as a youngster with Phoenix Academy before moving to Bonner SC in 2021 and playing for their under-17s.
A year later he joined Fortuna Koln under-19s, before moving to URSL Vise last August, and from there to Leixões SC.
Yesterday Leixoes’ game in the Portugal LigaPro against National was postponed and as a result it could be next weekend before he makes his debut when they play Benfica B.