Midfielder joins Rubén’s ranks ahead of season opener
We are delighted to announce the signing of Tivonge Rushesha after a successful trial period with the club.
The 21-year-old joins on an initial one-year contract, with an option for a year extension, after being heavily involved in our preparations ahead of the start of the 2023-24 season.
Playing mainly as a central midfielder, Rushesha featured in each of our pre-season friendly matches after leaving Swansea City at the end of last season.
Born in Zimbabwe, he joined the Swansea academy at Under-12 level. He made his professional debut for the club aged just 17 years and 35 days old in the second round of the Carabao Cup against Cambridge in 2019.
He recovered from a serious ACL injury in December 2020 to lead the Swans’ Development side the following season. The defender-turned-midfielder impressed, earning the under-23 Player of the Season Award for 2020-21.
Capped at age-group level for Wales, his resilience was tested once again the following season with another long-term injury. But he returned to competitive action in February 2023 by featuring in a 3-2 win for the Swans’ U21 side against Watford.
Following the expiration of his Swansea contract this summer, he began training with Reading in the first week of pre-season. Now, on the eve of the season, his is officially signed up to represent the Royals.
Mark Bowen, Head of Football Operations said: “Tivonge is a young man who has really impressed us during his trial, not just on the football pitch, but with his attitude. He is extremely keen to learn, and always asks the right questions about how he can improve. His love for football is evident, and he has seamlessly integrated into the squad. And I’m really pleased for him that we have been able to finalise this deal before the season starts.”
Welcome to the Royals, Tivonge!
