Born in France to an American basketball-playing father, a representative of Morocco at international level and now on his way to Italy.
The 6ft 6ins midfielder already possesses a rather multi-cultural background. Now, he looks set to broaden his horizons further in Serie A.
HITC reported last week that Amir Richardson had his fair share of admirers in the English Premier League. Brentford, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur had shown an interest.
Everton too.
The Toffees were quoted around £8.5 million when they lodged an enquiry of their own for a man who enjoyed a fine breakout campaign in France’s top-flight with surprise packages Stade de Reims last term.
And, in the end, that is all it took to convince Reims to cash in. Fiorentina have got the deal done for just 10 million euros, all the while ensuring that those Premier League links can be put to bed for at least another summer.
Tottenham and Everton were keen on Amir Richardson
It is not quite clear how serious that interest from England was.
Brentford may be kicking themselves that they did not do more, however, with the proposed deal to bring in Jens Cajuste from Napoli collapsing, via Fabrizio Romano.
Everton, meanwhile, still have an Andre Onana-shaped hole in their engine room following his £50 million move to Aston Villa. A problem the similarly imposing Richardson – actually an inch taller than Onana – could have gone some way to fixing.
Part of Morocco’s 2024 Olympics team, the bronze medal winner admits he spoke to compatriot Sofyan Amrabat before joining the former Manchester United loanee in Florence.
“Of course I spoke to Sofyan,” Richardson tells Tuttomercatoweb at his official unveiling. “Both before coming and after I arrived, he recommended this club to me, saying it was wonderful.
“I know I’m in a big club. I have to give everything I can. It can only do me good, then it’s up to me (to prove myself).
“I want to stay with the club as long as possible. I have no particular expectations other than to go as far as possible, even in Europe. I don’t set myself any limits.
“I want to score more goals and try to be the best on the pitch.”
As they tend to whenever a young midfielder emerges with both technical ability and physicality in their armoury, comparisons have been drawn with one Paul Pogba.
And they are not comparisons Richardson shies away from.
Serie A newcomer inspired by Paul Pogba
“Pogba for me is a great player, of great quality. I think I have a similar profile and I am inspired by him,” adds the Nice-born 22-year-old. “He has similar physical characteristics to me. I learn from him and from other great players.”
Richardson does not name the other clubs who tried to sign him on the back of Reims’ impressive, top-half finish. He does admit, however, that Fiorentina felt like the ideal destination as soon as La Viola came calling.
“There were several negotiations but I liked the Fiorentina project right away,” he adds. “Also for the quality of the players. My path includes moves of this type and if the club is the right one for me… (then I will join).”
Tottenham are admirers of Richardson, and it remains to be seen if they bring in a new mifielder after sealing the £65 million record deal for Dominic Solanke.
Ange Postecoglou may instead look to lean on the precocious talents of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, having fought off ‘every top club in Europe’ for the latter.
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