Aston Villa is delighted to announce that four players have signed professional contracts with the club.
Charlie Pavey, I-Lani Edwards, Sam Lewis and Ajani Burchall have all committed to Villa.
Mark Harrison, Academy Manager, is delighted by the progress made by the quartet…
Charlie Pavey
Pavey is a technical, creative player who can score and create goals from a number of positions.
He signed a scholarship with the club in July 2022 and has now been rewarded with a professional deal.
Harrison said: “Charlie has been at the Academy for a number of years and has mainly played in midfield but has also shown versatility to play in a number of positions.
“He has a high level of technical quality and plays with a lot of passion. He will be part of our Under-21 and UEFA Under-19 Champions Youth League squad this season.
“Congratulations to Charlie and his family for all their support over a number of years and we look forward to seeing how he develops.”
I-Lani Edwards
Edwards is a central midfielder and has been at the club since the age of 10.
He’s a box-to-box operator capable of linking play and supporting the frontline.
“I-Lani is a local player who has been at the Academy for a number of years and has good technical and physical qualities as a central midfield player,” Harrison said.
“He will be part of our Under-21 and UEFA Under-19 Champions Youth League squad this season. Congratulations to I-Lani and his family for all their support over a number of years and we look forward to seeing how he develops.”
Ajani Burchall
Ajani Burchall joined the Academy from AFC Bournemouth in July 2021 and signed his first professional contract five months later.
He became the third-youngest player to make a senior debut for the Cherries when he appeared as a substitute against Huddersfield Town in the 2020/21 season.
Harrison said: “Congratulations to Ajani on signing a new professional contract, having been very unfortunate over the last 18 months with injury.
“We are really pleased to see him back and look forward to watching him play this season.”
Sam Lewis
Lewis has been with Villa since Under-9s, signing a scholarship with the club in July 2022.
The goalkeeper has also attended England training camps during his time with the club.
“Sam has signed his first professional contract which is a great reward for his hard work,” said Harrison.
“Sam is a goalkeeper with very good technique and good potential, and we look forward to seeing how he develops this season. He will be part of our Under-21 and UEFA Under-19 Champions Youth League squad this season.
“Congratulations to Sam and his family for all their support over a number of years.”
