Highly rated teenager Richards to leave Exeter City

Jake Richards was voted League One's apprentice of the year in April

Exeter City's highly rated teenage midfielder Jake Richards is to leave the club after turning down a professional contract.

Last week City boss Gary Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon that Richards had been "offered the biggest offer we've made any 17-year-old in the history of the football club."

The Devon side have been in talks with the academy player over a senior deal for some time.

Richards, who made his debut on his 16th birthday in August 2023, featured 32 times for the club in all competitions.

He was named League One Apprentice of the Year at April's EFL awards.

Any club that offers Richards a deal will have to pay Exeter compensation as he is under 24 years old and has come through their academy system.

"Jake is a tremendous young talent with a bright future ahead of him," Caldwell told the club website.

"He has shown incredible maturity, skill, and determination throughout his time with us.

"While we would be sad to see him go, we're incredibly proud of the player and person he has become."

The news comes after another academy player, goalkeeper Harry Lee, turned down a new contract and left the club.

The 20-year-old, who had been touted as a future first choice at the club as a teenager, made one substitute appearance in the EFL and four EFL Trophy starts.

"We were keen for Harry to stay, as we believe he has a bright future in the game, but he has decided to pursue other opportunities," Caldwell added.

"We respect his decision and wish him every success. As with all our academy graduates, he'll always be welcome back at St James Park."

'City's position weakened'

Analysis - BBC Sport's Brent Pilnick

The loss of Jake Richards will be a big blow to Exeter City as the club prides itself on its youth academy.

Over the years the likes of Ollie Watkins, Jay Stansfield and Ethan Ampadu have earned the club millions in transfer fees and sell-ons.

When a 16-year-old Stansfield left St James Park in 2019 for Fulham, the two clubs agreed a deal which ended up netting City a seven-figure fee when he moved to Birmingham City last summer.

But Richards leaving the club without signing a professional deal weakens their position over profiting on his future - despite Exeter doing all they could to keep him.