Exeter City Football Club can confirm the conclusion of the transfer of Jake Richards to Luton Town for an undisclosed fee.
Jake indicated that he wished to seek a new club earlier this year, and as he is under-24 and had progressed through the Exeter City Academy, the club was entitled to compensation. The sum has now been agreed and will be paid in three instalments across this season and next.
Jake joined the Academy as an under-12. His journey to elite football didn’t follow the usual pathway of a Grecians academy player, with his development nurtured entirely in-house at the Cliff Hill Training Ground, rather than through the non-league loan system.
At 15, he was selected to feature in City’s 2023 pre-season fixture at Mousehole. In September 2023, days after his 16th birthday, he made his EFL debut against Leyton Orient, becoming the third youngest player in the club’s history. He marked the occasion with an assist for Demetri Mitchell’s spectacular goal. During his time with the Grecians Jake made 32 first team appearances at just 17 years old, scoring twice and providing three assists.
Manager Gary Caldwell said: “Jake is an outstanding young footballer with huge potential. His attitude and work ethic during his time with us were exemplary, and we take real satisfaction in knowing we have supported his journey to this point. We’re confident he will continue to impress and remain a credit to everyone at Exeter City.
“As a supporter-owned club, our Academy plays a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our model. Developing young players and giving them a pathway to first-team football isn’t just part of our identity - it’s essential to how we operate and continue to grow.”