, Reading boost squad, reputation and finances

Reading boost squad, reputation and finances

Reading have confirmed the signings of Matej Vydra and Ola John on loan from Watford and Benfica respectively. The club’s official website also revealed that defender Michael Hector has joined Chelsea, but will return to the Madejski Stadium on loan until the end of the season.

The first deal announced of the three on their official website was the very brief departure of Academy graduate Hector, whose matured performances have caught the eye of Jose Mourinho. The 23-year-old is the next member of the highly-regarded Category One youth system at the football club. The likes of Shane Long, Alex McCarthy and Gylfi Sigurdsson all came through the ranks. Manager Steve Clarke feels Hector deserves his move but is glad he’ll end the season with the club,

“This is a great reward for Michael’s strong performances in the second half of last season. I’m delighted for him that he has joined Chelsea and I’m sure he will seize the opportunity with both hands. Also it’s a good deal for us here at Reading as we get to keep Michael in our squad this season and I look forward to helping him further his development.”

Following the rumours which circulated earlier in the day here on The72, 23-year-old Czech Republic forward Vydra was the first new face through the door on deadline day. The 2012/13 Championship Player of the Season has a ratio of one goal every 141 minutes during his time with the Hornets. His 38 goals in 86 starts all came in the Championship and Clarke expressed his delight on the club’s official website,

“When I heard last week that it might be possible for Matej to come out of Watford on loan I immediately made him my priority target. Thanks to a lot of effort and great backing from the owners we now have in our squad for this season a proven Championship goalscorer.”

The final move, and a relatively unexpected transfer, was the arrival of John on loan from Benfica. Only two years ago did the tricky winger make his debut for Holland alongside the likes of Robin Van Persie and Arjan Robben and won the Portuguese treble last season. Director of Football Nick Hammond told the club’s official website believes 23-year-old John is a real coup for the football club,

“Ola is a player we have known for a long time. We have followed him very closely over the last 12 months in Portugal and we feel he can make a major contribution to our team in the coming season. He can play anywhere across the top of the pitch, and he is the type of personality that will fit in really well here at Reading.”

Clarke has been searching all summer long for a striker in a bid to boost his striking options. Bringing Vydra certainly ticks that box and John is certainly a more than welcome bonus, who should shine in the Championship. The club also gains more national recognition with academy graduate Hector attracting the attentions of Chelsea, plus the chance for him to stay until the end of the season. It is certainly exciting times at the Madejski Stadium.

 

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