Reading have signed West Ham United midfielder George Earthy on a permanent basis, the League One club confirmed on 19 August 2026. The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at the SCL Stadium, making him the Royals' fifth addition of the summer transfer window. The fee has not been disclosed by either club.

Who is George Earthy?

Earthy came through the academy ranks at West Ham, earning five first-team appearances for the Premier League side before the club elected to cash in. His most significant experience at senior level, however, came during two loan spells at Bristol City, where he made 51 appearances in total and chipped in with three goals. That run of games gave him a substantial grounding in the Championship, a level above the one he now joins at Reading.

Manager Leam Richardson spoke warmly of the recruit on the club website, describing him as a player with both the technical quality and the temperament to thrive in League One.

"We're really pleased to bring George to the club," Richardson said. "He's a talented young player who already has some very good experience under his belt, both in the Championship and at Premier League level. He's technically very good, he's creative and he gives us another real attacking threat. He wants to get on the ball and make things happen and we're excited to be working with him."

Richardson also pointed to Earthy's character as a factor in the decision, noting that the midfielder's hunger to play and to develop had been central to Reading's interest. "We've already got a group with great character and attitude and George will fit into that really well," he added. "He's hungry to play and hungry to improve and to bring a player of his quality here on a permanent basis is really positive for us."

What does Earthy offer Reading?

From a structural standpoint, Reading appear to have recruited a creative, ball-carrying midfielder capable of operating in central or slightly advanced positions. His record of 51 outings across two Bristol City loan stints suggests he is capable of handling a sustained workload at a good level, and arriving permanently rather than on loan gives both player and club the security to build around him properly.

The three-year length of the deal is worth noting. It ties Earthy to the SCL Stadium until the summer of 2029 and gives Richardson's squad a genuine asset with significant residual value, should Reading's ambitions in the third tier bear fruit and circumstances later change.

Reading's summer business

Earthy is the fifth signing of the window for the Royals, indicating that the club's recruitment has been active since the summer opened. Richardson has spoken publicly of his desire to build depth into the squad, and adding a midfielder of Earthy's profile, with 51 senior appearances already behind him at 21, represents a shrewd piece of business if the player fulfils the potential his manager has identified.

Reading enter the League One campaign with genuine aspirations of competing at the top end of the table. Whether Earthy can hit the ground running and contribute meaningful minutes from the outset will be one of the more interesting subplots of the Royals' season.

Frequently asked

How much did Reading pay for George Earthy?
Reading have not disclosed the transfer fee for George Earthy. West Ham United have similarly not revealed the figure, so the exact sum remains undisclosed.
How long is George Earthy's contract at Reading?
George Earthy has signed a three-year deal at Reading, keeping him at the SCL Stadium until the summer of 2029.
What clubs has George Earthy played for before Reading?
Earthy is a product of the West Ham United academy, where he made five first-team appearances. He also spent two loan spells at Bristol City, racking up 51 appearances and scoring three goals.