Chelsea confirm the signing of 17-year-old Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, but the unknown Jamaican talent won’t move to Stamford Bridge until next year
- Chelsea have completed the signing of 17-year-old Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards
- The largely unheard of young talent won’t move to the club until next year
- His arrival continues Chelsea’s ambitions to sign young stars for the future
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of another largely unknown talent for the future after completing a deal for Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards.
The 17-year-old has agreed to join the Premier League side, but won’t arrive at Stamford Bridge until 2024 after his 18th birthday.
Richards is a Jamaican international and a star of the island nation’s Phoenix All Stars football academy in Kingston.
Mainly deployed as a central striker, Richards has made three senior appearances for the Jamaican national team, losing to Qatar and entertaining a draw with Trinidad and Tobago before suffering defeat in a rematch.
Impressive performances have seen him picked for Jamaica as part of their Gold Cup squad and featured on the bench in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against USA.
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 17-year-old Jamaican international Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino won’t be able to analyse his new star until next year at the earliest
He has plenty of Premier League team-mates to learn from in the international set-up with West Ham’s Michail Antonio and Aston Villa attacker Leon Bailey also part of Jamaica’s Gold Cup team.
Richards is the first Jamaican-born player to join Chelsea, with Frank Sinclair previously representing the club and playing for the nation after being eligible through his parents who were born in the country.
The Blues are expected to filter Richards into their academy ranks before assessing his viability for first-team opportunities in the Premier League.
The acquisition of Richards also highlights the continued trend of investing in youth under the watch of co-owner Todd Boehly.
His arrival has produced mixed reactions from Chelsea supporters with some glad to see the club sign young talents, while others remain unconvinced.
One supporter believes the Blues should look to offload him on a loan move, tweeting: ‘Chelsea should loan him to Borussia Dortmund for two seasons. I wonder what they do to their young players. They offer a platform for young players like no other in Europe.’
Another added: ‘I don’t get this, a random 17 year old, ok he has made 3 appearances for Jamaica, but seriously…’
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