Deal hijacked: Player ‘close’ to signing for Newcastle United completes shock move to Chelsea
It has been reported that Chelsea has hijacked Dujuan Richards’ potential transfer to Newcastle United, with the news breaking late on Saturday night.
In January this year, it was revealed that the 17-year-old had arrived on Tyneside for a two-week trial with United’s Under-21 squad in the hopes of securing a professional contract.
Richards had recently told The Chronicle that he was anticipating positive news from the club after impressing Toon coaches, but it was revealed late last night that he has instead signed with Chelsea.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United was in advanced negotiations to sign the Jamaican striker, but Chelsea’s director Joe Shields played a vital role in hijacking the deal.
Despite this setback, the 17-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea and will join the club officially when he turns 18 in November.
Last season, Richards scored 31 goals and provided 19 assists for Phoenix All Stars Academy, and he even attended Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with West Ham prior to his trial with Newcastle United.
Fabrizio tweeted:
‘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.’
Official. Chelsea sign Jamaican talent Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards — born in 2005, wonderkid joining from Phoenix All Stars 🔵🇯🇲 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2023
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
Deal hijacked: Player ‘close’ to signing for Newcastle United completes shock move to Chelsea
