News and Views
Aluko Arrives From Fulham
29 August 2017
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading have wrapped up the signing of Fulham's Sone Aluko for what is being reported as a huge 7.5 million pound transfer fee. It is likely some of that figure will relate to future performances and will depend on Aluko's stay at the club. However, Aluko has been given plenty of time to impress after negotiating a four year deal with the Royals. Fan opinion is mixed with Aluko known as a fast and skillful player but not the big goalscorer we were expecting to sign during this transfer window. Given the figures involved in the deal big things will be expected from Aluko. It will be interesting to see his role in the side alongside our collection of other wide forward players.
Stam has been chasing Aluko for some time, and the rumour has been circulating widely for well over a month. Stam is clearly pleased to have finally got his signature: "With his pace and ability on the ball, he can make life difficult for every opponent we face. He poses a threat going forward, he keeps the ball well, he can play as a striker or out on the wing and I am sure he will improve us as a squad."
It is the first big money move for Aluko who has played for Birmingham, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Rangers, Hull, and Fulham. One of his longest stays was with Aberdeen where he clocked up nearly 100 appearances, and scored nine goals over 3 seasons. He spent four years at Hull but found himself frequently used as a substitute, before a move to Fulham last summer where he played virtually the entire season - including four matches against Reading giving Stam plenty of time to see the player. He was on the scoresheet back in December 2016 when he scored one of Fulham's five goals in their thrasing of the Royals.
Aluko follows 31 year old Dave Edwards to the Madejski Stadium as Stam continues to expand his squad. Edwards, who arrives from Championship side Wolves is yet another midfielder and appears to have been signed to bring some experience into Stam's young squad. Edwards is a current Welsh international and has signed a two year contract with Reading. After previously playing for Shrewsbury and Luton, Edwards spent 10 years at Wolves making over 300 appearances and finding the back of the net 44 goals.
Reading's Summer Signings:
- Sone Aluko (Fulham)
- Dave Edwards (Wolves)
- Leandro Bacuna (Aston Villa)
- Modou Barrow (Swansea)
- Vito Mannone (Sunderland)
- Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (Wolves)
- Pelle Clement (Ajax)
Discussion On This Story:
From Despair To Where?
Great player if you like players who can skin one defender, stepover past the next, put the third defender on his arse with a turn then shin the ball into the stands when there's a team mate free 6yds from goal, begging for the cutback. At £500k, yes but in the current climate, I can't see him costing less than £2-3m and at that price, I'd like to see what Adrian Popa can do first.
If we signed him I'd put money on him being official fan scapegoat by the time the clocks go back.
genome
I think it would add some much needed dynamism and pace to our front line. Yes, they are inconsistent, but if they weren't they be playing in the Premier League and be worth a lot more money.
We were crying out for two players like them last season, so I'd be really happy if this happens.
tomrfcurz
And for all you eagled eyed Twitter users - Garath McCleary started following Aluko in the last 24hrs
Hound
I don't know what their finances are like nowadays, but maybe the board are thinking they can make a quick 1.5-2m profit on someone they got for free last year, and solely on financial terms, thats a good deal
But then in saying that the board could easily have cashed in on overrated Cairney or Sessegnon and haven't done so
Anonymous
Basically he deals with what he's given and has nothing to do with who comes in and who leaves.
CountryRoyal
The former Hull City man has been the subject of speculation this summer with Reading thought to be one of the clubs interested in a move.
BYPHIL SPENCER
08:39, 31 JUL 2017
Fulham say they are looking into extending the contract of forward Sone Aluko after confirming they have received "multiple bids for the star".
The former Hull City man has been the subject of speculation this summer with Reading thought to be one of the clubs interested in a move.
Fulham say there are moves to extend the contract of striker Sone Aluko and confirmed "multiple bids" from an unnamed club have been rejected.
Speaking after the Cottagers' defeat by Wolfsburg, manager Slavisa Jokanovic said: ""All I can do is fight, around me there is news we're thinking about selling him.
"If we do this then it will be a big mistake for my team."
Following Jokanovic's interview, Fulham told BBC Radio London: "Ultimately, it looks likely there could be a contract extension.
"The club have had multiple bids for him and have rejected them."
Speculation about Nigeria international Aluko's future comes at a bad time with the club set to begin their Championship campaign against Norwich City on Saturday.
urz13
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