Barnsley have bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of 21-year-old forward Amani Richards from Leicester City. The player has signed a three-year deal — with an option for a fourth year in the club’s favour — for an undisclosed fee.
Profile and recent record
Richards is a product of the Chelsea and Arsenal academies and moved to Leicester in 2022. He did not make a senior appearance for the Foxes but gained first-team experience during a loan spell at Exeter City in the 2024–25 season, where he featured six times and scored once. Capable of operating across the front line, he has been monitored by Barnsley over a number of transfer windows.
"We believe Barnsley is the right place for him to take the next step in his career, and we are excited to start working with him," said head coach Daniel Stendel.
What the manager and player said
Head coach Daniel Stendel pointed to the player's energy, speed and capacity to fit into the team's offensive approach. Richards himself expressed enthusiasm about the move, saying he felt the manager’s intended playing style suited him and that he was eager to contribute to the squad.
Where he fits in at Oakwell
The signing follows the recent arrivals of defender Tyrese Noslin and goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, marking continued summer recruitment by the Tykes as they prepare for the coming campaign. Richards adds competition on the wings and in forward areas as Barnsley look to strengthen their attacking depth.
- Contract: Three years, option for a fourth (club's favour)
- Age: 21
- Previous clubs: Chelsea (academy), Arsenal (academy), Leicester City; loan at Exeter City
- League experience: Six League One appearances for Exeter, one goal
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Exeter City (loan) | 6 | 1 |
The addition of Richards signals Barnsley’s intent to continue shaping a squad capable of delivering on the manager’s tactical aims. Supporters will watch pre-season and the opening fixtures closely to assess how quickly he adapts to life at Oakwell and how he combines with the current attacking group.
As ever with transfers, the fee has not been disclosed. The club's formal announcement confirms the length of the contract and emphasises both parties' optimism about the move being a positive step in the player's development.
