Alex Fernandez Joins Reading FC On Loan

Reading Football Club have announced the signing of central midfielder Alex Fernandez on a season-long loan deal.

The deal has been mooted for a while now but the Royals have now confirmed the move on their official website.

Espanyol President Joan Collett broke the news first when he told Spanish media:

"We're now exchanging documents for the loan. It's a loan for one year, for this season.

"Reading then have the option to buy Alex, but it's not obligatory."

According to Get Reading, Fernandez could make the switch permanent at the end of the season for £1.3 million.

The youngster can play central midfield and attacking midfield and began his career at Real Madrid where he even made two appearances for the club—in the 2010/11 league season and 2012/13 Copa Del Rey.

He then made the switch to Catalan side Espanyol, where he's featured 37 times in La Liga before spending 11 games on loan at HNK Rijeka in Croatia.

The Royals have been crying out for creativity in midfield and whilst we don't really know much about him, the fact he's spent most of his career in central or attacking midfield seems to be a good indicator that he's fairly creative—though only time will tell.

In terms of the loan arrangement, these loan-to-buy deals are a no-lose situation for the Biscuitmen, as if the Spanish midfielder succeeds on loan we can make the deal permanent for a pre-arranged fee and if he does (which he won't. Surely not?) flop, we can send him back on his merry way to Spain (or Catalonia?)

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