READING FC have re-signed former academy talent Sam Smith on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old striker becomes Reading’s second summer signing as they continue to rebuild under new boss Ruben Selles.
The forward scored 28 goals in the last two League One campaigns with Cambridge United before his contract with the U’s expired in the summer.
After a decade with Manchester United’s academy, Smith joined the Royals in 2014.
He signed a professional contract with the club in 2017 and netted his first goal for the side in an EFL Cup match against Millwall in August 2017.
Learning his trade in first-team football, Smith went out on several loan spells during his first stint with Reading.
He played on loan for Bishop’s Stortford, Oxford United, Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United, Tranmere Rovers and Cheltenham Town.
He was then released by Reading in the summer of 2021 and subsequently joined League One side Cambridge United.
Smith began to find his feet and his scoring touch with the U’s during his two seasons with the club.
Smith notched 15 league goals and 21 from 57 games in all competitions in his first campaign.
His consistent scoring streak continued the following season as he netted 13 league goals to help Cambridge narrowly avoid the drop in League One.
With his contract at Cambridge coming to an end last month, Smith opted to move on a free transfer and will now have a second spell with the Royals.
