He can establish himself as Chelsea’s main striker if he can maintain his goal-scoring form
Chelsea FC has announced that Dujuan “Whisper” Richards is officially one of their players. The English club made the announcement via their Instagram page.
The club initially signed a pre-contract agreement with the Jamaican youngster in March, 2023. They had to use this type of contract because Whisper was only 17 years old at the time. Football rules demand that a foreign player should be at least 18 years old to play for a European team.
Whisper turned 18 in November but the club had to wait for him to get a work permit for him to be eligible for the Chelsea first team.
The young striker trained with the Chelsea first team during the pre-season period. The club posted photos of him training with players like Thiago Silva, Christopher Nkunku and Raheem Sterling.
He was also seen scoring a few goals against goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. His new teammates were cheering him on as he scored these goals. This video had Chelsea fans excited because ‘Whisper’ is already showing glimpses of brilliance.
The Jamaican isn’t facing any stiff competition for the striker’s role because the Chelsea attackers have been struggling to score goals. Nicholas Jackson has been struggling to score prolifically and he is currently representing Senegal in the African Cup of Nations tournament. Armando Broja is the only recognized striker who is left in the team and even he only has two goals in all competitions. Christopher Nkunku has also been struggling with injuries. In the meantime, Richards is coming in after scoring 29 goals and 19 assists in his last season. He can easily establish himself as Chelsea’s main striker if he can maintain his goal-scoring form.
The young striker said that he is pleased to be in Stamford Bridge. He revealed that he has always dreamt of signing a professional contract that will allow him to play at the highest level. The Jamaican’s signing was also confirmed by popular journalist Fabrizio Romano. Richards said that he is struggling to find words to describe his excitement. Richards has played 10 times for Jamaica and he scored his first international goal against Trinidad and Tobago. This goal made him the youngest player to score for Jamaica in a major tournament.
Richards began his football career in the Phoenix Academy when he was 11 years old. He was nurtured under the guidance of his manager Craig Butler. Butler helped Richards secure a trial with Newcastle United before they decided to sign for Chelsea. The striker was also wanted by Genk and Ajax FC. Butler is also the father and manager of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey. Richards is expected to play for Chelsea in the upcoming matches.
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