Nigerian forward signs season-long deal
Reading Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian winger Paul Mukairu on a loan deal until the end of the season from Danish top tier side FC Copenhagen, subject to the usual ratification processes by the relevant governing bodies and international clearance.
His move to Reading will see him link up once again with manager Rubén Sellés, who was assistant manager when the winger made his move to the Danish capital.
Born in Nigeria, Mukairu started his footballing journey in the FC Hearts Academy, before making the move to Turkish side Antalyaspor in 2019.
He made 31 appearances in his first season in Europe, finding the net on four occasions as his side finished ninth in the Süper Lig.
The following season was spent out on loan at Anderlecht, where he was involved in 29 games, scoring four goals as the team ended their campaign third in the Jupiler Pro League.
The Nigerian featured regularly in the first half of the 2021-22 season back with Antalyaspor, before making the permanent move to Denmark, where he linked up with Sellés.
Mukairu played a role as Copenhagen picked up the Superliga title in 2021-22, and went on to lift the Danish Cup the following year for his second piece of silverware with the club.
He went toe-to-toe with Europe’s best in last season’s Champions League, featuring in the both the home and away tie against the eventual tournament winner Manchester City.
Mark Bowen, Head of Football Operations, said: “It is fantastic to welcome Paul to the club. He already knows all about the standards that Rubén demands, and Rubén knows exactly what he can offer to Reading and the role he can play in the team. He has ability, character, a desire to work and a strong will to make an impact at Reading.
“Even though he’s still young, Paul already has some brilliant experiences under his belt and he is determined to play a big role in the team’s success this season.”
