Reading have confirmed on the club’s official website that John Swift has agreed a new five-year contract with the club, keeping him at the Madejski Stadium until 2022.  

Swift only arrived at Reading 12-months ago, following his exit from Chelsea, signing a three-year deal with the Royals ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.

However, Reading have now moved to secure Swift’s long-term future, by handing him fresh terms and a new five-year deal, after an impressive first year at the Madejski.

The 22-year-old made 42 appearances across all competitions last season, including 39 in the Sky Bet Championship, as Reading went within 90 minutes of a return to the Premier League.

Swift scored nine goals and played a significant role in Reading’s run to the play-off final, which was lost on penalties to Huddersfield Town in May.

Swift’s new deal at the Madejski Stadium is the latest piece of good news for the Royals, as Jaap Stam prepares his squad for the 2017/18 campaign and another push for promotion.

Pelle Clement was an early summer arrival, who has been followed into Reading by Vito Mannone and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

Despite Bodvarsson’s arrival, Stam seems keen to add another striker to his armoury this summer, with reports last week linking the Royals with Nahki Wells and Sone Aluko.

The Verdict

This is another excellent piece of business by Jaap Stam and Reading. Swift was excellent in the Championship last season, playing a key role in the Royals’ surge towards the play-offs.

At 22, Swift still has a lot to give, and next season he could be crucial as Stam aims to get Reading back to the Premier League.

Stam’s squad is shaping up nicely ahead of next season, and a few more additions to Reading’s forward line, could see them once again competing for promotion.

Reading fans… Let us know your thoughts!