SIGN FORMER MAN UNITED GOALKEEPER ON ONE-YEAR DEAL
READING FC has added a new goalkeeper to their ranks with the acquisition of former Manchester United player Joel Pereira.
Pereira joins the Royals on a free transfer having departed from Dutch side RKC Waalwijk earlier in the summer.
The 27-year-old was on trial with the Royals for a large portion of the summer before the club was able to confirm his transfer after fellow goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis was loaned out to League Two side Sutton United on deadline day.
He has signed a one-year deal with Reading, with the option of a further year.
The Swiss born shotstopper rose through the ranks at United after being signed by the Premier League club as a youngster in 2012.
He went on to make three senior appearances for the Red Devils, including one match in the Premier League under Jose Mourinho where he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in 2017.
His time with United involved numerous loan spells including stints with Rochdale, Belenenses, Vitoria de Setubal, Kortrijik, Hearts and Huddersfield Town before he was released by the club in 2021.
The 27-year-old has made a total of 68 senior appearances in his career, but has managed just six league appearances in the last three seasons.
Mark Bowen, head of football operations, said: “Our aim during this summer’s rebuilding process has been to create strength in depth across all areas of the pitch.
“Joel’s recruitment gives us another option in the goalkeeping department, and during his time training with the team, he has shown a desire to work hard to meet our high standards and to push the other goalkeepers for that starting spot.”