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Tariqe Fosu's 13 year stay at Reading has come to an end today as the forward has completed a permanent transfer to League One side Charlton Athletic.
Fosu joined the Royals at the age of nine in 2004, and rose up through the academy, being part of the Under-21 side that lifted the Premier League Cup in 2014. He would go on to make his first team debut on the final day of the 2014-15 season in the 3-0 win over Derby County, earning high praise for an impressive performance.
Despite this, that would be all Reading fans got to see of him in the senior team, and Fosu spent the majority of the last two years out on loan at Fleetwood Town, Accrington Stanley and most recently Colchester United, where he scored five goals in 33 appearances last season.
The 21-year-old's contract had been up this summer, but it was revealed last month that the club had offered him a new deal. As he has decided to reject that and move to pastures new at Charlton, the Royals will get a fee from the Addicks for him.
On the move, Fosu said:
"As soon as it came about, I thought it was a massive opportunity for me. It’s a big club and I’m ready to get started. I’ve got a few mates that have played for Charlton and are at Charlton as well, so I spoke with them.
“When I heard Karl was in for me that was massive, it made the decision for me. He’s worked with a lot of young players so hopefully I can produce for him.”
Charlton manager Karl Robinson said:
"He’s someone I was excited to buy as soon as I knew we could get him in. He’s one that excites fans, his feet are phenomenal and hopefully we’ll be seeing flashes of that next season.
“He’s great behind the striker and can play off one of the wings if needed. Tariqe is definitely one for the future. We’re building a squad of hungry players that want to play for the club. He wants to be here and that’s important for us.”
With a number of wingers currently at the Madejski Stadium, it was hard to see Fosu having a part to play in the immediate the future, so the move makes sense for the youngster's career. Best of luck Tariqe!