READING midfielder Michael Olise has a signed a new professional contract at the Madejski Stadium to keep him at the club until the summer of 2022.
Olise broke through into the senior team last season where he was handed his first-team debut by Jose Gomes against Leeds United in March aged just 17.
Later that month, Olise was granted his first ever start for the Royals in an away clash against Stoke City and went on to make two more league appearances throughout the campaign, including an impressive display on the last game of the season at home to Birmingham City.
“Michael is a very young, talented footballer,” said manager Jose Gomes.
“Age doesn’t matter to me as a first team manager, when young players show me they have talent, they will get opportunities to prove themselves at senior level and Michael grabbed his chance with both hands.
“He has earned this new contract and now I look forward to working with him on the training pitch.”
Olise recently joined up with the rest of the first-team squad in their pre-season camp in Spain having competed for France Under 18’s at the Toulon Tournament.
“Michael is yet another young player who has successfully come through our Academy ranks and demonstrated the required desire, determination, attitude and ability to force his way into the first team reckoning here at Reading,” said Chief Executive Nigel Howe.
“Now he needs to take the next step forward in his career and I am delighted he has agreed to take it as a Royal.”
Jose Gomes’ side is likely to have a youthful look to it next season as the Royals have made just one addition to the side so far this summer, with 19-year-old goalkeeper Joao Viriginia joining on a season-long loan from Everton.
