West Ham United have agreed to sell academy graduate George Earthy to Reading on a permanent basis, with the midfielder undergoing a medical ahead of the move.
The 21-year-old was involved in Nuno Espírito Santo’s first-team squad during pre-season and was named on the bench for the Championship opener against Burnley, but his long association with the Hammers is now approaching an end.
According to The West Ham Way, West Ham have agreed to sell Earthy to League One side Reading, with the academy graduate undergoing his medical on Wednesday before completing a permanent transfer.
George Earthy set for permanent West Ham exit
The development is significant after Earthy appeared to have a realistic opportunity to establish himself under Nuno this season.
He featured during West Ham’s summer preparations and ReadWestHam backed Earthy for a potential starting opportunity during pre-season, having impressed after coming from the bench against Rangers.
The midfielder was then among five academy graduates left unused during the 2-2 draw at Burnley. ReadWestHam highlighted Nuno’s reluctance to use those young substitutes as an early indication of where further squad depth could be required.
Earthy now appears to have received an answer over his own position.
He has spent much of the previous two seasons developing in the Championship with Bristol City, making 40 appearances during his first loan spell as the Robins reached the play-offs.
West Ham had initially included him among a group of academy players who could benefit from relegation and the demands of a 46-match campaign. ReadWestHam’s summer academy assessment identified Earthy alongside Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford as players pushing for larger senior roles.
Instead, Earthy is now set to leave permanently after 16 years associated with West Ham’s academy and first-team pathway.
Providing the medical is completed without an issue, Reading should become the next permanent home for a player who once looked capable of becoming another academy regular in east London.
