Luton Town have finalised the fee for midfielder Jake Richards after reaching agreement with Exeter City on a compensation package, to be paid in instalments over this season and next.
The undisclosed deal brings clarity to a move completed in July when the teenager arrived at Kenilworth Road ahead of the new League One campaign.
Because Richards is under 24, the Grecians were entitled to a payment that would otherwise have been set by a tribunal. Settling the figure now removes any lingering uncertainty around a signing who has already become one of the more intriguing young talents in Jack Wilshere’s squad.
The 18-year-old has quickly made himself relevant under the current boss, producing a series of energetic displays. He has begun Luton’s last three unbeaten league matches and marked that run with his first senior goal in the 3-0 win at Stockport.
Wilshere has been open about how much he rates the teenager, who had already picked up the nickname ‘Young Wilsh’ from captain Kal Naismith before the manager’s arrival in the summer.
“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,” said Wilshere.
“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, and he’s one of several promising players we’ve got here at the club with a big future ahead of them.”
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