Reading FC have made another statement signing this summer with the addition of Welsh international Jess Fishlock on loan from American side OL Reign.
Turns out the rumours were true! The Royals have confirmed the temporary addition of Wales’ most capped player ahead of the FA WSL season which is due to start on Sunday 6th September with an away day to Arsenal for Reading.
Fishlock’s parent club, OL Reign based in Washington, are unlikely to see competitive action again this season following the cancellation of football in the US.
Announcing the news, the clubs Twitter account said: “CONFIRMED! And it’s big news! Welsh international legend, Jess Fishlock MBE joins the Royals on loan from OL Reign.”
Talking to the BBC about the reasons for needing a move which includes earning a place in the Welsh squad for upcoming Euro 2021 qualifiers, Fishlock said: “For me especially, with the qualifiers that we have, I have to play right now, so I am home and I am looking for a short-term loan.
“I have to play, I haven’t played in 13 months and we have qualifiers in six weeks.
“If I don’t play now I can’t play in those qualifiers and then by the time we come back in the US I’d have been out for 18 months and I don’t know who comes back from that.”
Fishlock joins several fellow Wales internationals in the Reading setup with Angharad James, Rachel Rowe and captain Natasha Harding in the squad.
There is no indication on how long Fishlock’s loan with Reading will last, but the NWSL season usually runs from April to October so it’s probably fair to say we’ll be seeing a fair bit of Wales’ record appearance maker this season.
Reading have already been busy in the transfer market this summer signing up ex-Arsenal players Danielle Carter and Emma Mitchell as well as Deanne Cooper from Chelsea. The club have also confirmed the addition of New Zealand international goalkeeper Erin Nayler, a move first rumoured to be on the cards back in mid-July.
