READING have made their first signing of the summer, recruiting Dutch midfielder Pelle Clement.
The 21-year-old arrived from Ajax, having spent most of his time playing for their youth side, which was coached by Jaap Stam prior to his switch to Berkshire last year.
Clement joins for an undisclosed fee and has penned a three-year contract.
The versatile Dutchman has had a few tastes of first team action with the European giants, scoring twice on his debut in a 6-1 win over Kozakken Boys in the KNVB Cup.
He went on to make his league bow a month later and also featured in the Europa League.
“Pelle will need to learn and adapt to the game over here of course, but he is a young, very promising player with a good personality,” said Stam.
“He is quick, technically good and has good stamina.
“He is capable of playing in midfield, up front or in the wide or wing back positions, so I’m pleased to have him with us here in Reading.”
Clement becomes the fourth Dutch player in the first team squad, joining last summer’s signings Roy Beerens, Danzell Gravenberch and Joey van den Berg.
And having come through the Ajax ranks, this is the first time the midfielder has completed a transfer, but he says Stam had a big role to play in him joining Reading.
“For me, everything is new,” said Clement.
“I played for Ajax since I was 11 so I’ve never done this before but I’m really happy to be here.
“It feels like home and I’m looking forward to start.
“Jaap knows my qualities, he knows what I can and cannot do and he wants me here.
“Jaap knows me maybe better than I know myself so I trust him and the coaches because
they’ve seen me play (at Jong Ajax).”
But the Royals have sanctioned a string of departures this week with no less than four men moving on.
DENISS RAKELS’ year-long loan move to Lech Poznan was confirmed while goalkeeper JONATHAN BOND has moved on loan to Peterborough United until January.
Meanwhile, two academy products have moved on permanently.
Defender ZAK JULES, who spent last season on loan at Motherwell, has joined Shrewsbury Town.
And JACK STACEY, who made six first team Reading appearances, has moved to League Two side Luton Town.
