FORMER Reading FC striker Lucas Joao has signed for Chinese club Shanghai Port on a free transfer.
Joao spent four seasons with the Royals and departed the club this summer after the expiration of his contract.
Playing a pivotal role during his time in Berkshire, his departure left a sour taste after the forward allegedly refused to attend Reading’s final game of last season away at Huddersfield Town after the club had already been relegated.
Shanghai Port compete in the Chinese Super League and have some notable names among their squad including former Brazil internationals Oscar and Paulinho,
Joao arrived at Reading in the summer of 2019 in what was a summer of big spending from the club, that ultimately cost them dearly as they faced numerous financial difficulties and punishments subsequently.
The Angolan international was purchased from Sheffield Wednesday for a fee of around £5million in a summer spending spree that also saw George Puscas sign for the Royals from Inter Milan for around £8million.
Joao scored a total of 45 goals in 119 appearances for Reading and enjoyed his best season in the 2020/21 campaign under Veljko Paunovic where he netted 19 times in 39 games.
