Matt Miazga Joins Reading On Loan

Matt Miazga has been confirmed as Reading's fifth signing of the January transfer window, joining on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has only made two senior appearances for the Blues since joining from New York Red Bulls three years, both coming in the Premier League in the 2015-16 season. Since then, he has had two campaigns on loan at Vitesse Arnhem (what’s a Chelsea loanee without a spell at Vitesse?), and also spent time at Nantes earlier this season. He left the French club prematurely earlier this week, with manager Vahid Halilhodžić suggesting that Miazga had lied and faked injury in order to cut short the loan: “He assured me that he had a sore back. After tests however, there was no problem... He just wanted to leave the club”.

Standing at 6ft 4in tall, the centre-back has been capped 11 times by the US national team, including against England in November. He spoke to former American Royal Danny Williams before agreeing a deal in Berkshire.

On the signing of Miazga, Jose Gomes said:

“Matt is a skilful, committed and commanding presence at the centre of defence and I am very pleased we have been able to welcome him into our family. I am now looking forward to working with him on the training pitch for the first time.”

Nigel Howe added:

“Having already sourced extra quality in the form of a striker, two midfielders and a goalkeeper this month, I’m delighted that Matt now arrives to bolster our defensive ranks for the final 18 games of the season. Committed to our cause, I am confident he will be a real asset to the first team dressing room for the remainder of the 2018-19 campaign.”