Luton announce signing of Jake Richards from Exeter City

Luton Town have announced the signing of teenage midfielder Jake Richards from Exeter City.

The 17-year-old moves from Devon to Bedfordshire upon expiry of his contract with Exeter, with Richards signing a contract of undisclosed length at Kenilworth Road.

Exeter will be due compensation with Richards being under the age of 24 and having been offered a professional contract by the Grecians.

Richards had made 32 appearances for Exeter, scoring two goals. The move will be his first away from the club, having joined Exeter’s youth academy at age 12.

Luton Manager Matt Bloomfield told the Hatters’ website that his experience seeing Richards play for Exeter against his own former club Wycombe Wanders impressed him enough to decide he would be the right fit for Luton’s rebuild.

Bloomfield 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.”