Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - Second Leg - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - January 31, 2023 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates with staff after the match Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Newcastle United have reportedly been beaten by Chelsea to the signing of Phoenix All Stars ‘wonderkid’ Dujuan Richards.
The Lowdown: Newcastle trial
As per The Chronicle, Richards underwent a two-week trial at Newcastle in February, and was in attendance at St. James’ Park as they drew at home to West Ham United in the Premier League.
Magpies U21s manager Ben Dawson gave rave reviews over his performances, and the 17-year-old has since earned his first senior call-up for Jamaica.
The Latest: Chelsea sign Richards
Taking to Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared that Chelsea have in fact hijacked Newcastle’s move for Richards, and the Tynesiders were ‘close’ to signing him:
“Official. Chelsea sign Jamaican talent Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards — born in 2005, wonderkid joining from Phoenix All Stars.
“Newcastle were close to signing him but Chelsea have now completed the deal, director Joe Shields was crucial in the negotiations.”
The Verdict: Blow
It is certainly a blow for the North East club to miss out on signing Richards to one of their Premier League rivals.
Likened to legendary Jamaican sprinter ‘Usain Bolt‘ by his academy coach and agent, the six-foot-four prospect is incredibly quick, and would have been an exciting addition to the Academy.
Richards has recently spoken about his admiration for the club, as well as legends Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan, but unfortunately they have missed out on his signing to Chelsea, and will have to now look elsewhere to further strengthen their Academy.
Nonetheless, there may be an opportunity to sign him in the future, so they should not be feeling too disheartened.
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