Garath McCleary Looks Set to Rejoin Reading to End Career

Garath McCleary Looks Set to Rejoin Reading to End Career

Garath McCleary is in advanced talks to rejoin Reading, after leaving Wycombe Wanderers earlier today.

As a free agent, McCleary does not need to sign a contract before the 7pm deadline tonight, however The Royals have spent most of the day trying to wrap up the deal.

The 38-year-old is expected to retire at his old club.

A deal for Garath McCleary does not need to be completed ahead of the deadline but it is thought to be a deal being worked on throughout the day.

[@james_e1871] #readingfc pic.twitter.com/ZqQKlDSXAn

— RFC Latest (@RFCLatest) September 1, 2025

Veteran Set for One Last Dance

He first joined Reading from Nottingham Forest back in 2012, when The Royals were in the Barclays Premier League, and he did play 31 times for them that campaign.

After that, 211 Championship games were played for The Royals across seven seasons, adding 50 goal contributions.

🔟years ago today, a Garath McCleary goal took the roof off of Wembley Stadium when we took on Arsenal 🙌

Relive that moment now ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/yOIACnr3G4

— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) April 18, 2025

Since then, he has largely been in League One with Wycombe after the Wanderers were relegated from the second tier in 2020/21, and has been an ever-present with 164 League One appearances despite being older than 34.

Now, he will be back at the club he has played for the most throughout his 18-year career, hoping to prove he still has worth playing for a league above at the age of 38.

Other Reading Moves

Sean Patton has joined The Royals from Derry City, with the 19-year-old signing a two-year contract.

Welcome to #ReadingFC, Sean Patton!

The Derry City forward signs for an undisclosed fee, with the 19-year-old agreeing a two-year deal. 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/TJNV3t8pQ0

— RFC Latest (@RFCLatest) September 1, 2025

Reading are expected to receive their sell-on clause for former player Luca Fletcher, who is joining Ipswich Town on loan with an obligation to buy from Manchester City.