Luton reach agreement with Exeter over a fee for midfielder who has 'magic in his feet'
Luton reach agreement with Exeter on a fee for midfielder who has 'magic in his boots'
Luton Town have announced they have agreed a fee with League One rivals Exeter City for the transfer of young midfielder Jake Richards who moved to Kenilworth Road from Devon in the summer.
The teenager was just 17 when he opted to leave St James Park, where he had risen through the ranks, making 32 appearances, scoring twice, and join the Hatters under previous boss Matt Bloomfield. As he was under the age of 24, then the Grecians were entited to compensation that would have been set by a tribunal if an undisclosed fee had not been hammered out by the two sides.
However, both Luton and Exeter have been able to do just that, with the money shelled out by Town in three instalments across this season and next. Since arriving in Bedfordshire, Richards had to bide his time initially, with just one league start, that coming in Bloomfield’s final game in the dug-out at Stevenage, with just four other outings, but once new manager Jack Wilshere was appointed, he has really started to show his talents.
He started the 1-0 success at Northampton Town and has kept his place for the last three League One contests, scoring his first goal for the club in the 3-0 victory at Stockport County, also gaining an assist for Izzy Jones to grab a clinching third too. Speaking about his impact to the club’s official website, Wilshere said: “Jake is someone I see bits of myself in, especially as a young left-footed midfielder making his way into senior football playing off the right. Credit to the recruitment team and previous management for identifying his talent coming through at Exeter and bringing him to Luton when the opportunity arose.
“He has a lot of experience at the level already for someone who only recently turned 18, and he’s got a great attitude to keep learning and progressing. He’s a long way to go, which Jake acknowledges himself, but there’s no disguising that he’s got a bit of magic in his feet, as we saw at Stockport. He’s one of several promising players we’ve got here at the club with a big future ahead of them.”
Meanwhile, a statement on the Exeter official website said: “Exeter City Football Club can confirm the conclusion of the transfer of Jake Richards to Luton Town for an undisclosed fee. Jake indicated that he wished to seek a new club earlier this year, and as he is under-24 and had progressed through the Exeter City Academy, the club was entitled to compensation. The sum has now been agreed and will be paid in three instalments across this season and next.
“Jake joined the Academy as an under-12. His journey to elite football didn’t follow the usual pathway of a Grecians academy player, with his development nurtured entirely in-house at the Cliff Hill Training Ground, rather than through the non-league loan system. At 15, he was selected to feature in City’s 2023 pre-season fixture at Mousehole. In September 2023, days after his 16th birthday, he made his EFL debut against Leyton Orient, becoming the third youngest player in the club’s history. He marked the occasion with an assist for Demetri Mitchell’s spectacular goal. During his time with the Grecians Jake made 32 first team appearances at just 17 years old, scoring twice and providing three assists.”
Grecians manager Gary Caldwell added: “Jake is an outstanding young footballer with huge potential. His attitude and work ethic during his time with us were exemplary, and we take real satisfaction in knowing we have supported his journey to this point. We’re confident he will continue to impress and remain a credit to everyone at Exeter City. As a supporter-owned club, our Academy plays a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our model. Developing young players and giving them a pathway to first-team football isn’t just part of our identity - it’s essential to how we operate and continue to grow.”