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Reading have announced the signing of Southampton winger Josh Sims on a season-long loan deal. The 21 year-old, the Royals’ eighth signing of the summer, will provide more competition out wide amidst ongoing injury problems.
The left-footed wide player came through at Southampton’s academy and has already played 20 times for the Saints in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. He moves to Reading in search of first-team football, this being his first loan spell to the Football League.
The club have confirmed he’ll be available for Wednesday night’s trip to Blackburn Rovers and will wear shirt number 19. Paul Clement said of the signing:
“I’m really pleased that we have been able to bring Josh here on a season-long loan. He first came to my attention playing in the Premier League when I was manager at Swansea, and as soon as he came off the bench for Southampton I immediately noticed his athleticism and energy.
“He is a talented young player that can play on either side, he is a hard worker with a lot of ability and potential, and I’m delighted that he’s joining us at Reading.”
Ron Gourlay echoed that, saying:
“Even at a young age, Josh has shown that he is a winner and very capable of providing a positive impact on matches at the highest level. We are confident that he can add some cutting-edge to our play and to play an important role in what will be a fruitful season for Reading.”
He could yet be joined by Nathan Dyer at Reading - the Swansea City winger has been strongly linked with a move to Berkshire but it’s unclear (at time of writing) whether or not Sims is an alternative to Dyer. Paul Clement has also hinted players could leave Reading before the end of August, so the arrivals of Dyer and Sims may open the exit door for Adrian Popa who looked somewhat off the pace on Saturday (although he’s just recovered from injury).