Matt Miazga Returns To Reading On Loan From Chelsea

Reading have announced the return of Matt Miazga from Chelsea, the American defender arriving on a season-long loan.

Frank Lampard’s arrival at Stamford Bridge didn’t lead to Miazga getting a shot at first-team football despite impressing with the Royals last season. He signed in January after a spell at Nantes proved unsuccessful.

And he hit the ground running, keeping two clean sheets in his first three games. Fans credited the centre-back with being an incredibly solid force at the back, commanding in the air and on the deck. In all, he made 18 appearances and picked up just a single booking.

After a slow start to the summer, this is a fantastic deal for the club. Chelsea supposedly rated Miazga at around £20 million and Serie A side Fiorentina were linked with him. Instead, he’s coming back to Reading as the fourth signing of the summer - following Joao Virginia, Michael Morrison and Charlie Adam.

CEO Nigel Howe praised the signing, saying:

“Even as a player at the early stage of his career, Matt showed last season that he has a mature head on young shoulders and plenty to offer the squad both on and off the pitch. I am pleased that he has been keen to return to Reading and I look forward to seeing his contribution for the Royals in the coming season.”

From a squad point of view, it makes great sense with Moore and Morrison joining him as senior centre-backs and Tom McIntyre and Gabriel Osho backing them up from the reserves.