‘Whisper’ Richards signs pre-contract with Chelsea FC
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Schoolboy football sensation Dujaun ‘Whisper’ Richards has signed a pre-contract with top English Premier League (EPL) club Chelsea FC.
The announcement was made by Phoenix Academy founder Craig Butler via Instagram on Saturday.
Richards, who has been with Phoenix since he was 12-years-old, recently went on a two-week trial with EPL side Newcastle United, will look to further establish his career in the EPL.
“History has been made. The Phoenix All Stars Football Academy is proud to announce that Dujuan “Whisper” Richards, who has been with us since 12-years-old, has put pen to paper and signed his pre-contract with Chelsea FC in England and will be plying his trade in the Premier League,” Butler posted.
The 17-year-old standout enjoyed a sensational campaign in the recently-concluded schoolboy season, netting more than 30 goals while providing 19 assists for Kingston College.
He also recently received his maiden national senior men’s call-up, and is expected to feature in two upcoming friendly international games for the Reggae Boyz against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, March 11 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in St James and Tuesday March 14 at the National Stadium in Kingston.
“This has been a long road and one that has made us exceptionally proud of his loyalty and undying faith in me and our team at Phoenix.
“We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club and look forward to the continued relationship and partnership with our academy as we prepare Whisper for the Peremier League,” added Butler.
Whisper follows another Phoenix Academy standout, Leon Bailey who currently plies his trade for Aston Villa in the EPL.