11-06-2025, 08:09
Promoted Port Vale have made their second signing ahead of their return to League One next season with the arrival of attacking midfielder Rico Richards from Aston Villa on a permanent deal.
Richards was part of Vale's successful promotion campaign last term during his season-long loan from the Premier League club.
He played in 27 league games, with 19 of those appearances from the bench.
Richards, 21, has agreed a two-year contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.
"He showed last season that he's a player that can affect games for us and really get supporters off their seats," Moore said.
"He's someone I've known for a long time and he's already got a good level of experience under his belt at a young age.
"We're all glad that he'll be continuing his development here at Port Vale."
Richards is Vale's second new recruit following Blackpool wing-back Jordan Gabriel, while defenders Mitchell Clark and Kyle John have agreed new contracts.
Richards was part of Vale's successful promotion campaign last term during his season-long loan from the Premier League club.
He played in 27 league games, with 19 of those appearances from the bench.
Richards, 21, has agreed a two-year contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.
"He showed last season that he's a player that can affect games for us and really get supporters off their seats," Moore said.
"He's someone I've known for a long time and he's already got a good level of experience under his belt at a young age.
"We're all glad that he'll be continuing his development here at Port Vale."
Richards is Vale's second new recruit following Blackpool wing-back Jordan Gabriel, while defenders Mitchell Clark and Kyle John have agreed new contracts.
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