The Chelsea striker went on trial at Newcastle United last year.
Dujuan Richards, an 18-year-old striker from Phoenix Academy in Jamaica, has officially joined Chelsea.
Before deciding to sign with the Blues, Richards had a two-week trial at Newcastle United in February of last year and was given a contract offer. “Dujuan Richards has officially completed his move to Chelsea from the Phoenix Academy,” a Chelsea statement stated.
“During our preseason tour of the USA, the Jamaican international trained with the first team group after signing a contract with the Blues in the summer. Richards turned eighteen in November, and he has now confirmed his move to Stamford Bridge.
“The young forward, who was born in Port Royal, attended the Phoenix Allstars Football Academy when he was eleven years old and eventually became a full international.
“Richards scored his first goal for Jamaica against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2023. He has ten caps for the country. Dujuan, welcome to Chelsea!”
Richards moved and exclaimed, “I’m so happy to be here. It’s hard to express how happy I am to have the opportunity to sign a professional contract at Chelsea, as that has always been my dream. I am very eager to get going.”
Craig Butler, the CEO of the Phoenix All Stars Academy and Richards’ agent, gave an explanation of his client’s decision to pass on Newcastle in favor of Chelsea last year.
“Dujuan was offered a contract and we are grateful for the opportunity from the club [Newcastle],” Butler stated. “The club’s personnel and overall atmosphere were excellent, and they were quite accommodating.
“Ultimately, Chelsea was able to provide the player greater assurances over his future. Chelsea have demonstrated a desire to collaborate with our academy and assist us with coach exchange and football instruction.”
