'Can't wait' - Chelsea complete move for striker after Newcastle United snub

Chelsea have officially completed the signing of 18-year-old striker Dujuan Richards, who joins from Phoenix Academy in Jamaica.

Richards had a two-week trial at Newcastle United in February last year and was offered a contract before agreeing to join the Blues. A Chelsea statement read: "Dujuan Richards has officially completed his move to Chelsea from the Phoenix Academy.

"The Jamaica international signed for the Blues in the summer and trained with the first-team squad during our pre-season tour of the USA. Richards celebrated his 18th birthday in November and has now finalised his switch to Stamford Bridge.

"Born in Port Royal, the young forward developed into a full international at the Phoenix Allstars Football Academy, which he joined at the age of 11.

"Richards has been capped ten times by Jamaica and scored his first international goal against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2023. Welcome to Chelsea, Dujuan!"

On a move, Richards said: "‘I’m so pleased to be here. My dream was always to sign a professional contract and to have the chance to do that here at Chelsea, it’s difficult to put into words the emotions. I just can’t wait to get started."

Richards' representative and Phoenix All Stars Academy president Craig Butler explained last year why his client snubbed Newcastle for Chelsea.

"Dujuan was offered a contract and we are grateful for the opportunity from the club [Newcastle]," said Butler. "The staff and club in general were very accommodating and the environment was wonderful.

"In the end, Chelsea was able to provide more guarantees for the future of the player. Additionally, Chelsea presented a willingness to work with our academy and support us in terms of the exchange of coaches and football education."