Confirmed: Aston Villa in advanced talks to sign West Brom attacker Richards on a free, player to join Villa U-21 side as soon as deal is completed
Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign West Brom sensation Rico Richards, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants are working on a deal to lure the attacking midfielder, 19, to Villa Park this summer. Talks are well underway over a free transfer and are progressing well – with Unai Emery’s recruitment team confident of securing a full agreement with the player.
Richards will leave West Brom for free at the end of June when his contract expires.
The Baggies announced last month (23 May) that the 19-year-old will be joined by the likes of Ramello Mitchell, Cianole Nguepissi, Sammy Okoka and Sam Oluwatobi in departing The Hawthorns.
Richards was a regular for the club’s Under-21 side in the 2022-23 campaign, notching four goals and five assists in 20 appearances.
He also turned out once for Carlos Corberan’s senior side last term, playing 10 minutes off the bench in a 2-0 defeat at Hull in March.
The midfielder made 77 appearances in total for West Brom’s Under-21 and Under-18 sides, scoring 17 goals and registering 10 assists.
Richards primarily plays in attacking midfield but can also star on either wing and lead the line. He could join the likes of Louie Barry and Aaron Ramsey in the Under-21 setup at Aston Villa.
Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer, Tim Irogenbaum and Jacob Ramsey are among the senior stars to have graduated from the club’s academy.
Aston Villa will play Europa Conference League football in the 2023-24 campaign after finishing seventh last term.
The Midlands giants have already completed the signing of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer.
