READING’S close-season recruitment work has begun with the signing of Danzell Gravenberch.
The 22-year-old Dutch defender has agreed a three-year contract with Royals, which he will sign upon the opening of the transfer window on July 1.
Gravenberch, a former Netherlands Under-17 international who will join from FC Dordrecht of the Eerste Divisie – the second tier of Dutch football – is no stranger to the club having trained with Brian McDermott’s men towards the end of last season – and duly impressed.
All formalities of the switch, including a medical, are now complete, but the move will be subject to ratification from the relevant authorities.
“I’m very happy and thankful to be at Reading,” said Gravenberch, a player who graduated from the famous Academy at Ajax.
“It’s a very nice team. I got on well with the team-mates here whilst I was training and they play some very good football, so I like it here.
“I’m looking forward to getting started and I’m focused now on the beginning of the season. I like England and I’ve always wanted to play football here.
“The league is very competitive so I am very happy to be here.
I’ve seen a few Reading games and other teams in the Championship. It’s a very tough league but I hope Reading can be competitive next season and I will make myself ready for it.
“I will give everything for Reading.”
Gravenberch, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, turned professional at the Amsterdam ArenA in 2012, but would continue learning his trade elsewhere, spending time on loan with NEC Breda before joining up with Romanian outfit Universitatea Cluj in 2014.
He would return home and to Dordrecht last year, where he would catch the eye of Reading.
“I’m really pleased to have Danzell on board,” said McDermott.
“He was first brought to our attention by Brian Tevreden, our new technical director, who spoke highly of him having worked with him previously.
“We brought Danzell in for a few days last month, he trained and played with us – and he is a player capable of playing in various positions, with an awful lot of potential.
“I’m delighted to have secured his services so early in the summer.”
Gravenberch arrives at Madejski Stadium with winning pedigree, too, having been part of the Netherlands side which won the UEFA European U17 Championships in 2012.
