Midfielder becomes latest player to link up with our project in RG2
We are delighted to announce that we have today completed a deal which brings 20-year-old midfielder Charlie Savage from Manchester United to Reading on a four-year contract.
The paperwork has been completed to make Charlie the latest player to become part of Rubén Sellés' side ahead of 2023-24, subject to the usual ratification processes by the relevant football authorities.
Like his dad Robbie, Savage came through the Red Devils' academy as a central midfielder.
Having worked his way through the youth ranks, he penned his first pro deal at Old Trafford in April 2021, just before his 18th birthday. Before the calendar year was out, he made his senior debut for United as a late sub for Juan Mata in a Champions League group game against Swiss side Young Boys.
The Welshman's development at United continued over the past two seasons with regular starts in PL2 - not to mention valuable experience against Football League players as part of United's U21 squad in the Papa John's Trophy.
Savage then got his first regular spell of senior football in the second half of 2022-23, making 13(+2) League One appearances for Forest Green Rovers. His first ever professional goal came at the New Lawn in March against near-neighbours Bristol Rovers... a strike which earned him FGR's Goal of the Season award.
After the season's conclusion, he made his competitive debut for the Wales Under-21 squad as he helped his nation to a valuable 2-2 draw in Denmark in their opening fixture of the 2025 U21 European Championship qualifiers.
And as recently as last week, Charlie was handed the captain's armband for the Red Devils, leading a youthful United side in the second half to a friendly win against Leeds in Oslo.
But now, a new challenge lies in wait in the blue and white hoops.
With 2023-24 just over a fortnight away, Charlie has chosen to join the Royals!
Reading's Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: "We are delighted to secure Charlie's signature and this represents a big coup for Reading Football Club. His decision to entrust this club with the next stage of his fledgling career speaks volumes about the project we are building here.
"Charlie is a young man who is already beginning to realise his potential and it will be exciting to see him continue to elevate his game under Rubén's guidance. He arrives with bags of talent, with a clear desire to keep learning, and intent on making an impact as a senior footballer at Reading."
