Reading have completed the signing of striker Jamie Reid from Stevenage, with the Northern Ireland international joining on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, the club confirmed.

A proven scorer at third-tier level

Reid, 32, spent five seasons at Broadhall Way, amassing an impressive record of 69 goals in 245 appearances across his time in League Two and League One. The forward was part of the Stevenage side that won promotion from the fourth tier in 2022-23, and he was named in the League One Team of the Season the following year. His 14 league goals last campaign played a significant part in helping Stevenage finish fifth and qualify for the League One play-offs.

At international level, Reid has represented Northern Ireland on 16 occasions, contributing two goals.

Reading manager Leam Richardson spoke about what the forward brings to the club. "Jamie is a proven goalscorer at this level and somebody who has consistently shown what he can bring to a team over a number of years," he told the club's official website. "He works incredibly hard, he's intelligent with his movement and he knows where the goal is. He can lead the line, play off other forwards and gives us another really good option at the top end of the pitch."

Addressing a clear squad need

The arrival of Reid appears to address a pressing requirement at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Reading's primary striking option, Jack Marriott, contributed 17 goals last season, but concerns over his fitness record have long been noted. Kelvin Ehibhatiohman, who deputised for Marriott during that campaign, has departed the club this summer, leaving Richardson with limited cover in the central striking position ahead of the new League One season.

Reid's capture forms part of what has been an active transfer window for the Royals. Josh Knight arrived on a season-long loan from Portsmouth and Conor Masterson signed a short-term deal to bolster the defensive options, while Jacob Brown has also come in to add attacking resource. Richardson had made no secret of his intention to strengthen both centrally at the back and in the forward line, and the addition of Reid, according to BBC Radio Berkshire analyst Tim Dellor, directly answers supporters' calls for a specialist striker.

What it means for Stevenage

For Stevenage, the sale represents a significant departure. Reid was one of the most consistent performers in the division during his time in Hertfordshire, and his goals were central to the club's recent upward trajectory. Steve Evans's side will need to find a replacement if they are to replicate last season's play-off challenge. The club have already moved in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Burnley striker Joe Mellon among others, but losing a forward of Reid's experience and output is a considerable blow.

The fee involved has not been disclosed by either club. The deal is understood to be a permanent transfer rather than a loan arrangement, giving Richardson a striker under contract for the next two seasons as Reading look to push towards the upper reaches of the third tier.

Reid becomes one of the more experienced signings of the summer window in League One, and his track record at this level will give Reading supporters grounds for confidence that he can contribute from the outset.

Frequently asked

Why have Reading signed Jamie Reid?
Reading needed experienced striker cover after Kelvin Ehibhatiohman left the club this summer. Manager Leam Richardson identified Reid as a proven goalscorer at League One level to compete alongside Jack Marriott.
How many goals did Jamie Reid score for Stevenage?
Reid scored 69 goals in 245 appearances across five seasons at Stevenage, including 14 league goals last season as the club reached the League One play-offs.
How long is Jamie Reid's contract at Reading?
Reid has signed a two-year deal at Reading for an undisclosed fee, making it a permanent transfer from Stevenage.