Ovie Ejaria Finally Announced As Reading’s Second Summer Signing

Ovie Ejaria, for the third time in just over 18 months, has signed for Reading. This time: it’s permanent. He’s agreed a four-year deal at the club.

Fans have been lusting after the mercurial midfielder’s arrival since the Royals snatched him from Liverpool last summer on a loan with a £3 million obligation to buy. And, after some weeks of delay, the deal has gone through.

Ejaria had been training with the squad but didn’t appear in the opening pre-season win over Gillingham. Afterwards, Mark Bowen assured Reading fans that the club would have news on the situation “in a few days”.

It is clear the delay was down to economics with the club walking a tightrope with regard to the Championship’s Profit & Sustainability rules. It has been speculated that the restrictions will be benched for the coming season - potentially green-lighting a Mad Stad spending spree.

Mark Bowen said:

“Naturally, everybody at the club is delighted to have got this transfer over the line and it is a deal our owner, Mr Dai, was very keen to see completed as soon as was possible. Ovie has shown everyone his exceptional quality in the time he has spent here on loan and I’m sure all our supporters are excited to see him continue to impress as a Royal during the course of the next four years.”