Chelsea presented the best offer – Butler
Published:Monday | March 13, 2023 | 1:14 AMLivingston Scott/ Gleaner Writer
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After a two-week trial with English Premier League (EPL) club Newcastle United most football observers were anticipating that 17- year-old Jamaican wonder kid Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards would put his signature to a deal with the north east club....
After a two-week trial with English Premier League (EPL) club Newcastle United most football observers were anticipating that 17- year-old Jamaican wonder kid Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards would put his signature to a deal with the north east club.
However, surprisingly the prodigious youngster was snapped up by EPL giants Chelsea in a pre-contract deal which was announced by Phoenix Academy boss Craig Butler on Saturday.
Butler revealed that Newcastle presented a great offer for Richards but they thought Chelsea gave the best option.
“It wasn’t a sudden switch, whenever you manage a player it is important that you look at all available options and choose the best possible offer.
“Newcastle really did a great job and made a big effort to get him and we appreciate everything that they have done
“Newcastle presented a very good offer and so did Genk and Ajax. But for us Chelsea presented the best one,” he said.
He pointed that Joe Shields, Chelsea’s head of recruitment has followed Richards for two years and knows what the player and Phoenix are all about.
He also believes the pathway the London club has set for the 17 year old guarantees greater success.
“Chelsea were not just better from a financial perspective but also in terms of his football pathway and the plan for the player.
“He will be in the first team and that is very important to me. If he is to go out on loan, I will be integral in the decision as to where he goes.
“But Chelsea are looking to put him in their first team and they have provided a plan, and that plan really fits ‘Whisper’ going forward,” he commented.
Richards will sign officially on his 18th birthday (October 11), as FIFA rules make it illegal for a contract to be presented to a player under 18.
“His mom has agreed to that, so when he turns 18 he will go to Chelsea,” Butler said.
He added that it was another huge step for Phoenix.
GOOD TALENT
“It has made things much easier. Europe is starting to believe in the things that we do. They now see this as a market for good talent and Phoenix is the place to go for that talent.”
In a post on his Instagram page Richards said it was a dream come true to sign for a club like Chelsea and promises to make his mother proud.
“My mother and family have been a rock and a fortress. Always seeking the best and sacrificing yourself for me. Mum I love you and I am going to make you proud,” he commented.
He also thanked Butler for believing in his potential. The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association and Kingston College for providing him with the platform to showcase his talent.
“To the great Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange since 12 years old your unwavering support has been noted and appreciated.”
“To the Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, thank you for your kind words sir. I will always carry the Jamaican flag with me when I play. I love my country. I won’t let you down,” added the Port Royal native.