Luton Town have signed highly-rated teenager Jake Richards from Exeter City, with manager Matt Bloomfield insisting the youngster is already capable of impacting the first-team squad.
The 17-year-old, who turns 18 in August, arrives at Kenilworth Road following a breakthrough season in League One, where he made 32 senior appearances and picked up the Grecians’ Supporters’ Trust Young Player of the Season award. His performances also earned him national recognition as the LFE League One Apprentice of the Season at the 2025 EFL Awards.
Bloomfield, who saw Richards up close during his time at Wycombe, was glowing in his assessment of the midfielder’s readiness, telling the club’s website: “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.”
A versatile talent who can operate centrally or in more advanced roles, Richards already boasts two senior goals — one in the EFL Trophy against Spurs U21s and another in League One on Boxing Day against Bristol Rovers, where he featured alongside new Luton team-mate and fellow Exeter graduate Milli Alli.
Bloomfield praised the teenager’s footballing intelligence and ability to handle pressure, saying: “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.”
Richards, who began his youth career with Exeter at the age of 11, said: “I’m really happy to get it over the line and to sign my first professional contract for such a big club as Luton. It’s a major thing for me and I’m really looking forward to what this season and the next few hold in store.”
Now swapping Devon for Bedfordshire, the teenager acknowledged the challenge of moving away from home but is embracing the change.
“The staff and all the boys have been really good with me, they’ve made me feel welcome from day one and have taken me under their wing. They’ve treated me as if I’ve been here for ages and I already feel a part of the club,” he said.
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