Chelsea have signed 17-year-old Jamaican talent Dujuan Richards, who will join the club after November when he turns 18.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea’s capture of Dujuan Richards. The 17-year-old attacking sensation will join from Jamaican side Phoenix All Stars. But the details involving finances remain unclear at this stage. The teenager can only join the Blues after November when he turns 18.
Chelsea have continued making moves in the background as they are on the verge of announcing another new signing. Todd Boehly has proved instrumental in their unique approach. And while the Chelsea co-owner has provided the funds to bring in established talents, there is also a keen focus on youngsters.
The Blues want to build an exciting team for the future and are already eyeing plenty of raw talents from everywhere. The North and South American markets have caught their eye as they are on the verge of bringing another young talent to the club.
Dujuan Richards, the 17-year-old attacking sensation from Jamaica, has signed for Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news via his Twitter account as the Phoenix All-Stars talent signed his contracts. He will only join the Blues after November when he turns 18, as FIFA rules prevent players from moving before that age.
Official. Chelsea sign Jamaican talent Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards — born in 2005, wonderkid joining from Phoenix All Stars 🔵🇯🇲 #CFC
Newcastle were close to signing him but Chelsea have now completed the deal, director Joe Shields was crucial in the negotiations. pic.twitter.com/YW3Ron6raT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2023
Romano also confirmed Newcastle United were the other club chasing the 17-year-old attacking sensation. As it appears, Chelsea may have comfortably beaten the Magpies. Eddie Howe has been looking at young talents himself as he prepares to make considerable changes to their youth system.
Richards is a centre-forward by trade, and Chelsea will look to develop his talents. He is not a first-team player yet, but they could evaluate his abilities and make future decisions in January. A loan to gain experience may remain on the cards next year, but the club might also be convinced of the player.
Richards is not the only talent Chelsea wants to sign, as they have had a bid accepted for Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Paez. The Independiente del Valle star is only 15, and there is a long way to go before he arrives in England and Stamford Bridge.
If they can tie up a deal for Paez, he could become another south American youngster to sign a contract with Chelsea since January. They also captured Brazilian teenager Andrey Santos, although he has since joined former club Vasco Da Gama on loan until June.
As for Richards, the quality of the 17-year-old attacking sensation remains unknown. However, a club like Chelsea would have looked closely at what he could offer and made the decision. Depending on how he develops in the coming years, he could become a big part of their future, either here or elsewhere on loan.
