Exeter City have confirmed they have made a “historic” contract offer to talented teenager Jake Richards as they bid to retain the midfielder ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Richards, 17, has been at the heart of City’s youth development system and made headlines when he debuted for the club on his 16th birthday in August 2023. He has since gone on to make 32 first-team appearances in all competitions, earning widespread praise and being named League One Apprentice of the Year at the EFL Awards in April.
With his current terms expiring this summer, Exeter have moved decisively to retain their academy gem, offering him what manager Gary Caldwell described as the most lucrative deal ever tabled by the club for a player of his age.
“We’ve made him the biggest offer we’ve made any 17-year-old in the history of the football club,” Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon. “He played a great number of games last season in League One and was Academy Player of the Year. He’s a young player who we believe has a really bright future.”
Exeter are hopeful their long-term commitment and clear development pathway will persuade Richards to continue his rise at St James Park, but the level of outside interest makes a summer exit a lingering possibility.
Mitchell Yet to Decide on Future Amid Injury Concerns
While Exeter await Richards’ decision, they are also in talks with 28-year-old winger Demetri Mitchell, who has been offered fresh terms after a challenging year on the sidelines.
Mitchell, who arrived at the club from Hibernian in January 2023, missed the start and end of last season due to a serious knee ligament injury but has returned to training this summer. Despite making 61 appearances and scoring 12 goals for the Grecians, financial and fitness considerations mean the club cannot match his previous deal.
“Demi Mitchell, if he stays or he goes, has been brilliant for this football club,” said Caldwell. “We weren’t in a position to offer him the same contract after the injuries, but we’ve invited him in to assess his fitness. He’s still weighing up his options.”
With both players central to Caldwell’s plans at different ends of the age spectrum, Exeter’s summer business could hinge on their final decisions.
Writer’s View
Jake Richards has been a revelation, and Exeter’s offer underlines how much they value him—not just as a player, but as the symbol of their academy model. Keeping him would be a major coup.
As for Mitchell, sentiment must give way to pragmatism. If he can regain full fitness, there’s little doubt he’ll prove valuable again—at Exeter or elsewhere.
