Rico Richards

Rico Richards player profile: biography, stats, images and news about this Port Vale player.

Rico Richards player profile

Port Vale completed the loan signing of creative Aston Villa midfielder Rico Richards during a busy transfer window deadline day in August 2024.

20 year-old Richards had enjoyed a loan spell with Stockport County last season.

Speaking of Richards’ loan deal, Port Vale Manager, Darren Moore, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Aston Villa for entrusting us with one of their brightest prospects.

“Rico is a player who possesses real quality on the ball, loves to create chances and to drive the team forward. He will give us another great option going forwards.

“He will be a fantastic personality in and around the changing rooms and I am excited to welcome him into our squad here at Vale Park.”

A creative player, Richards impressed with several assists and four goals as he featured regularly throughout the season. He was duly signed on a permanent basis in the summer of 2025. However, his permanent spell was a series of unfortunate incidents. In September 2025, he was surprisingly loaned to Walsall for the season. He couldn’t break into the Walsall side for regular football and when he returned to the Valiants, Jon Brady has replaced Darren Moore and Richards was transfer listed.

More on Rico Richards:

• Port Vale retained list - Ojo released, four transfer listed
• "the worst of both worlds" - a review of how Port Vale's loaned out players are faring
• Opinion: is Rico Richards set to remain in loan limbo this season?
• Rico Richard on loan spell at Walsall: "it's been tough for me"
• Four thoughts on Port Vale's transfer window: "a season changer" and a "challenge to keep the squad happy"