Barnsley FC 'closing in' on signing of ex-Arsenal and Chelsea prospect Amani Richards from Leicester City
Barnsley are reportedly close to signing a forward from their new League One rivals Leicester City
Barnsley are reportedly closing in on the signing of forward Amani Richards from Leicester City.
The 21-year-old has impressed at youth level for Foxes, but has not yet managed a first-team appearance for the newly-relegated League One club.
A former England youth international, Richards spent time in the academies of Chelsea and Arsenal before joining Leicester in 2022.
He was exposed to senior football in the third tier during the 2024/25 season, when he was loaned to Exeter City.
Barnsley ‘closing in’ on Leicester City forward
According to the Barnsley Chronicle, Barnsley are getting close to completing the signing of the jet-heeled frontman.
It is unclear whether it is a permanent move or a loan arrangement being explored, but progress on a deal of some sort has seemingly being made.
He would add some much-needed depth to the Barnsley attack, with 20-year-olds Fabio Jalo and Leo Farrell the only forwards currently at Daniel Stendel’s disposal.
Amani Richards’ profile
Richards may lack experience, but he has shown plenty of promise in prestigious youth systems. When he joined Exeter on loan in 2024, then-Grecians boss Gary Caldwell described him as a “real flair player”.
As reported by BBC Sport, he said: “He is the perfect player for us at this moment in time. He'll bring speed, a one vs one quality which we feel we've missed since Yanic's [Wildschut] been injured.
“He's someone who can bring speed and threat, and hopefully get the fans excited and off their seats because he's a real flair player.”
Richards made six appearances in Exeter colours, scoring once.
If he does complete a move to Oakwell, he would be following Cieran Slicker, Calum Hudson, Isaac Smith, Cameron McGeehan and Clayton Taylor through the door in South Yorkshire.