Amadou Mbengue has signed a contract extension to keep him at Reading FC.
The 21-year-old defender joined the Royals in the summer on a free transfer on a short term deal after leaving French club Metz.
However, after impressing during his short time in Berkshire, the club has rewarded him with a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the season with a view to extending.
Mbengue has made a strong impression during his debut season in England and netted his first professional goal last month in Reading’s 1-0 win over Coventry City.
Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said “Amadou has been such a valuable addition to our squad this season and has impressed whenever he has been called upon. He has shown himself to be very capable of playing at this level and he is a player upon whom the manager knows he can rely.
“I’m delighted we have been able to sign him up and, in the discussions I have personally had with the player over the last few weeks, he has shown he is ready to commit the next few years of his career to this club. I am sure he will have an important part to play in the second half of this season and I’m very pleased to get the deal over the line.”
Royals boss Paul Ince said, “Amadou arrived here as a young man, coming to another country without speaking much of the language, and yet he fit in immediately. As a player, he is versatile, he’s got pace, tenacity and a hunger to be the best he can be. As a person, he’s hard not to love; he’s always got a smile on his face, he enjoys coming into training and the culture we are creating here. I’m delighted he has agreed to stay with us.”
