Luton Town have sealed the signature of highly rated teenager Jake Richards from League One rivals Exeter City.
The 17-year-old rose through the ranks at the Grecians, making his debut for the club in 2023. Despite his young years, he was in and out of Gary Caldwell’s squad last season, making 13 league appearances. This included an excellent cameo against Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day, where he scored and assisted in a 3-1 win.
The midfielder was named the League One Apprentice of the Season in April and Exeter announced in their end-of-season retained list that they were in negotiations over a professional contract. However, the teenager informed the club earlier this week that he would like to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Luton Snatch Richards
Although Exeter had offered Richards a lucrative deal, they have had to wave goodbye to their academy graduate. The move to Kenilworth Road was announced this morning, with Hatters’ boss Matt Bloomfield revealing he had been keeping tabs on the youngster’s progress. Speaking to official club media, he said:
“Jake played against us twice last year at Wycombe and although he’s a young boy, he’s already gained great experience, so he is ready to come in and hopefully affect the first team group as soon as possible.
“He’s someone who can accept the ball in tight areas, he can wriggle out of tight situations and he can play in midfield, attacking midfield or behind the striker in the ten, so he has nice versatility about him and good dynamic movements.
“It’s a big move for him and we need to give him time to settle, but he’s been in training with us this week and he already feels like he’s at home with the boys. We want to progress his career and help develop him, and he’s a really exciting signing for the football club.”
Exeter will be due compensation due to the player being under 24-years-old.
Writer’s View
Luton will be delighted to have secured the services of perhaps the most highly rated teenager in League One. Richards has already showed glimpses of his undoubted natural ability at this level and Exeter will hope they are rewarded handsomely for the time they have put into his development. For Richards though, this is an opportunity to represent a club that harbour ambitions of not only returning to the Championship, but breaking back into the Premier League.
