Free agent Yakubu returns to English football with move to Reading

Having recently become a free agent after previously featuring in Qatar, Yakubu has agreed a deal with Championship side Reading for the remainder of the season.

Free agent Yakubu returns to English football with move to Reading
Yakubu returns to English football with move to Reading after becoming a free agent
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By Kane Brooker

Former Middlesborough and Portsmouth striker Yakubu has returned to English football, joining Reading on a deal until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old completed the deadline day switch after recently becoming a free agent. Having left Blackburn Rovers in 2012, Yakubu last represented Qatari club Al Rayyan.

Netting a total of 114 league goals across a number of spells in England, featuring for five different clubs, manager Steve Clarke commented on the latest arrival. He said: "His addition will complement the strikers we've already got at Reading.

"I know all about him as a player and I have heard very good reports about him as a personality in the dressing room. He is no-risk signing for us and I look forward to him scoring goals for Reading Football Club."

Scoring 18 goals in 33 appearances during his last season in England – with Blackburn Rovers in the top flight – Yakubu is the second-highest African and highest Nigerian goalscorer in Premier League history, just six behind Didier Drogba.

The frontman also made 57 appearances for his national side over a 12-year career, featuring in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.

His new side currently sit 16th in the Championship table, with Saturday’s victory their first in four matches.

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About the author
Kane Brooker
Kane is an 18-year-old Sports Journalist who predominantly covers Manchester United FC while having a heavy involvement in the Boxing office. Having joined the VAVEL team back in October 2014, he has previously featured for Sky Sports News while writing regularly for The Non-League Paper. Kane is also the club reporter, programme editor and press and communications officer for Walton Casuals Football Club.