Richards is a product of the Academy at West Bromwich Albion, where he turned professional in August 2020. He played two matches for the club before he joined Aston Villa on a free transfer in July 2023. He spent the second half of the 2023–24 season on loan at Stockport County, who finished as champions of League Two. He returned to League Two on loan at Port Vale for the 2024–25 season.
Richards made his Championship debut for the club on 3 March 2023, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute in a 2–0 loss away at Hull City.[10] He said afterwards he was grateful to manager Carlos Corberán for the opportunity.[7] He ended the 2022–23 season with four goals and five assists from 20 games for the under-21 side.[11]
Aston Villa
On 3 July 2023, Richards signed a two-year contract with Aston Villa after joining on a free transfer after the expiry of his West Bromwich Albion contract.[12] On 18 January 2024, he joined League Two leaders Stockport County on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season.[13] Fellow Villan Louie Barry was already on loan at Edgeley Park.[14] He initially made only cameo appearances, with manager Dave Challinor commenting on his initial shyness and apparent lack of confidence, though he found greater first-team opportunities following an injury to Barry.[15] On 29 March, Richards scored his first goal in senior football, in a 3–0 league victory at Forest Green Rovers.[16] He made three starts and eight substitute appearances, helping the Hatters to win promotion as champions of League Two.[2]
On 30 August 2024, Richards returned to League Two on a season-long loan with Port Vale.[17] Speaking in December, manager Darren Moore said that he was "really pleased with the way he has been progressing and the opportunities he gives us as a team through his intelligence and his directness" and that "over the first half of the season he has been getting stronger" as he utilised Richards primarily as a substitute.[18]
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