Dujuan Richards first words after signing ‘dream’ Chelsea contract in the wake of Todd Boehly rebuild plan
It appears that Chelsea has secured another transfer ahead of the summer transfer window.
Dujuan “Whisper” Richards is expected to join the team at the beginning of the 2023/23 season based on a pre-contract agreement he has reportedly signed.
While the club has not yet confirmed the move officially, Craig Butler, who runs the Phoenix FC football academy, has disclosed the signing.
Richards, who is only 17 years old, has been with Phoenix for the past five years. He recently received a call-up to the Jamaica senior team for a match against Trinidad and Tobago this month.
In February, he had a two-week trial with Newcastle United and had also been rumored to be considering a move to Aston Villa.
The addition of Richards to Chelsea’s team follows the trend set by Todd Boehly of recruiting promising young talents to the west London club.
In recent transfer windows, Chelsea has already signed relatively unknown players like Gabriel Slonina, Andrey Santos, and Cesare Casadei, who have turned out to be stars. Kendry Paez, a talented player from Ecuador, is also reportedly set to join Chelsea soon.
After signing his contract with Chelsea, Richards took to Instagram to express the significance of the move for himself and his family. On his social media post, the young adult can be seen formally signing a Chelsea contract in the accompanying image.
The caption read: “What a dream come true. When I am 18 years old I will be able to play in the Premier League and for a club like Chelsea football club. Champions league winners and with such a high pedigree that I’m still so grateful to God for this opportunity to challenge other great talents on the colosseum of football.
“I would like to thank my coach and manager Craig Butler first for seeing the potential in me and then working on my weaknesses and building me to the level I am now. His guidance and perseverance has resulted in my getting this opportunity and signing this contract. I shudder to think what could have happened if I listened to others and not to Craig Butler.
“I am also grateful to the Phoenix all stars football academy for its investment in all the youths. Providing a place where even if you can’t pay no one is left behind. I’m a product of that type of support. My mother and family. What can I say you have been a rock and a fortress to me always seeking what is best for me and sacrificing yourself for me. Mom I love you and I am going to make you proud.”
Richards expressed his gratitude towards the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, as well as Kingston College and ISSA.
This signing reflects Clearlake Capital and Boehly’s desire to sign up-and-coming stars, as Richards caught their attention with his impressive performance last season for Phoenix, where he scored 31 goals and provided 19 assists.
Richards is also familiar with his new surroundings, having played against Aston Villa, Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace in academy matches. Additionally, he was previously a member of Brooke House College in Leicestershire.
Dujuan Richards first words after signing ‘dream’ Chelsea contract in the wake of Todd Boehly rebuild plan
