Reading have confirmed the signing of Sam Baldock for an undisclosed fee. Baldock has signed a three-year contract with the Royals and is expected to make his debut against Derby County later this week.
Under the tutelage of Jaap Stam, Reading enjoyed a fruitful 2016-17 campaign as they made it to the playoffs of the Championship. However, the side struggled to make their presence felt in the second tier last term, which eventually led to the Dutchman’s exit.
Paul Clement is the new man in charge and the side are expected to do well under his stewardship. Clement has been busy this summer and had already overseen the arrivals of Andy Yiadom, Marc McNulty, John O’Shea and David Meyler prior to the signing of Baldock.
Sam Baldock – Fact File
Baldock emerged through the youth ranks of Wimbledon and Milton Keynes Dons and was eventually promoted to the senior side of the latter. He made a notable impression with the Dons and eventually, West Ham United signed him in the summer of 2011.
After a subpar season with the Hammers, he moved to Bristol City where he scored 34 goals in 83 appearances. His impressive form alerted Brighton who signed him in the summer of 2014.
Baldock played a key role for the Seagulls during the 2016-17 season as he plundered 12 goals to help Chris Hughton’s side in earning their promotion to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old found very limited first-team opportunities under the tutelage of Hughton last term as he was handed just 2 substitute appearances in the top flight.
Brighton have brought in Florin Andone this summer and thus, Baldock’s exit made a lot of sense as he slipped further down the pecking order.
Attributes and why he is he a good signing
Reading struggled to find the back of the last season and it was a major cause of concern for the club. An experienced player like Baldock is likely to score a few goals and help with the goalscoring burden.
He is a clinical goal scorer and having helped his former side in getting promoted to the top flight, his know-how would come handy for Clement’s side. He is capable enough of playing on the wide areas as well and could be a smart signing by Reading.