Reading Sign Paddy Lane: Fee Paid For First Time In Literally Forever

We've finally bought a player!

My favourite signings are the surprise ones, when you have absolutely no idea they're on their way. One such addition is that of Paddy Lane, who came out of absolutely nowhere on Thursday evening to become Reading's eighth arrival of the summer.

Just to make the signing extra special, it was teased at Reading FC's pre-season social event at the Purple Turtle. With rumours going around about a new player coming in, co-CEO Joe Jacobson acted out the club's customary signing teaser on stage after his Q&A (which also featured Brian Carey), dinging a bell (I have no idea how much sense this makes to people who aren't on Twitter). Anyway, it's a neat, fun little gimmick.

Shortly after that, the arrival of Lane was announced. He's here permanently, having agreed a three-year deal after an undisclosed fee was paid to Portsmouth.

Yes, you read that right: Reading have paid a fee for a player! This is the first time the Royals have done so since the summer of 2020, when a few million were spent on Ovie Ejaria. This element of the deal is another indication that - whisper it softly - we've got a normal club to support once again.

Lane is a 24-year-old winger who's now been deemed surplus to requirements at Championship outfit Pompey. He played a big part in getting them to the second tier, registering 12+7 goals and assists as they won the league in 2023/24. Championship football however seems to have proven a bit beyond him, hence Reading being able to bring him in.

It feels an awful lot like a real statement of intent from Reading. Yes, the Royals have had to bide their time and it would have been an extra boost to get this signing done sooner, but Lane is worth the wait.

First and foremost he's proven at this level, having performed so well for Pompey in 23/24. Reading can now say they have a top-quality right-winger in their ranks - something which hasn't really been the case since Femi Azeez was sold to Millwall.

A lack of reliable threat out wide was a real problem for the Royals last season, so bringing in an established first-team player here was a priority over the summer.

Plus, getting Lane in on a three-year deal is encouraging in its own right. All things being well, Reading have sorted that position for the foreseeable future with someone who, at 24, has his best years still ahead of him.

I'm delighted with this signing and it's made me even more excited for the start of the season. Plus, it's a great boost for the whole fanbase after the morale blow of Reading being tonked 4-0 in their last pre-season friendly (ironically by Portsmouth).

Welcome to Berkshire, Paddy!