Aaron Tshibola: Aston Villa Sign Midfielder From Reading FC

The rumour has been running for a while now and today it was confirmed: Aaron Tshibola has left Reading for Aston Villa. As always the transfer fee is undisclosed but some press are reporting that it is around the £5 million mark.

The 21-year-old academy product made 17 appearances for the Royals since his debut as a late substitute in a 4-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in August 2014. Tshibola will be reunited with former Reading manager Steve Clarke, who is now Villa's assistant manager.

Losing Tshibola is a blow for new Reading boss Jaap Stam who had said last month that he had no intention in selling the young midfielder. However, Tshibola had other ideas and Stam revealed yesterday that he made it clear he wanted to leave the Madejski Stadium.

"I said I wanted Tish to stay because he’s a very good player, I think everyone within the club wanted him to stay. An offer came in for him and of course you have to think about what to do - but then you have the player as well. If the player wants to leave and had set his mind on leaving the club then what can you do at that point?"

Tshibola certainly looked promising last season, but it is hard not to think that his reputation was only enhanced by his absence through injury. He actually only started six games last season, of which only two saw a Reading win.

In that context getting £5 million for such an unproven player seems a good deal, as long it contains a sell on clause in case he continues to develop.

It is a shame that Tshibola has not only left the club so soon, but felt the need to force through a transfer. On the other hand quality players are always likely to move on at some point, and a year of having a quality homegrown player is better than having a lesser quality player brought in from outside.

Good luck Tish, but let's hope his departure gives a chance for other promising academy graduates to make a name.