Newly promoted Port Vale have completed the signing of Rico Richards on a two-year deal from Premier League club Aston Villa. The move comes following a successful season-long loan, which saw the 21-year-old play a key role in the Valiants League Two promotion success.
The announcement could be the start of a busy summer at Vale Park following a significant admission by chief executive Matt Hancock. According to Hancock, the club is set to back manager Darren Moore with a competitive transfer budget to strengthen his promoted squad.
Port Vale Promotion Hero Returns
The permanent acquisition of Rico Richards is likely to provide real heart to the Vale fans. For all he is still in the early years of his career, he provided significant promotion-winning experience to Port Vale’s midfield.
Having secured his second successive League Two promotion last season, following success with Stockport County a year earlier, Richards, in the eyes of his manager, deserves to showcase his talent in League One.
He featured 32 times in 2024/25 for Vale, establishing himself as a popular figure in the middle of the park. He scored four goals and provided the same number of assists in helping his side to a second-place finish.
His talent was recognised while playing for his boyhood club West Bromwich Albion at youth level, when fellow Midlands outfit Aston Villa signed him in 2023. But his move to the Potteries is his first permanent senior transfer.
Darren Moore Delighted to Welcome Back Aston Villa Loanee
Richards became known as a player capable of changing the momentum of a match from the bench during his loan spell. Darren Moore often turned to him during difficult moments, and more often than not he repaid the faith.
Unsurprisingly, the 51-year-old is over the moon to tie down Richards for the next two seasons. He has spoken about the midfielder exhibiting experience beyond his years, and how he has provided valuable quality to his team.
“We’re delighted to be bringing Rico back to the club on a permanent basis. He showed last season that he’s a player that can affect games for us and really get supporters off their seats.” Moore told Port Vale’s club website.
Port Vale Bidding to Establish in League One
Port Vale have tended to yo-yo between the third and fourth tier in recent seasons and will seek to consolidate upon their return to League One. After immediately bouncing back, the promise of a substantial transfer budget will be music to the ears of the Vale supporters.
A key ingredient that enabled them to amass 80 points this season was their consistency both home and away. They picked up an impressive 43 points at Vale Park, backing this up with 37 points on the road. With a record like that, it’s no wonder Darren Moore wants to reunite his trialed and trusted players.
They have certainly set their stall out early, having won the race to sign Jordan Gabriel upon the expiration of his Blackpool contract. After a sparkling campaign last time around, Port Vale will be hoping to keep their squad together, while adding to it in key areas.