Reading FC have signed goalkeeper Karl Hein on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.
In their first acquisition of the January transfer window, the Estonian keeper joins the Royals to help them in their bid to retain their Championship status.
The 6’4″ shotstopper joins the squad to replace the void filled by Rafael Carbal, who left Reading to move to Brazilian side Cruzeiro after he terminated his contract by mutual consent.
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic said: “Karl is an international goalkeeper with good temperament, obvious ability and the hunger to improve and impress.
“He is a welcome addition to our squad and will increase the strength of our team for our remaining fixtures.”
Hein has been a member of Arsenal’s squad since joining the north London club in 2018, but is yet to make a senior appearance for them.
However, he is experienced at international level and has played 12 times for Estonia and signed a new long term contract with the Gunners in September 2021.
Chief Executive Dayong Pang said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Karl to Reading.
“At the age of 19, he is an exciting prospect but importantly he has already shown himself to be a very capable goalkeeper at full international level and he will add quality to our squad in this crucial period.”
