Former Reading FC striker Jayden Wareham could be on the move this summer for a fee of up to £2.5 million, less than a year after leaving the Royals without a transfer fee.
The 22-year-old forward enjoyed a standout campaign with Exeter City, establishing himself as one of League One’s most dangerous attackers and attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs.
Despite Exeter’s relegation to League Two, Wareham enjoyed a spectacular individual campaign as he netted 19 League One goals, which made him the third highest scorer in the division.
Reports suggest Exeter are pushing to demand between a fee £2m and £2.5m to part with the striker despite their relegation to League Two.
Wareham left Reading at the end of his contract in 2025 after the club offered him a new deal, but the forward opted for a different venture after being disappointed with the short-term deal offered by the Royals and the lack of first-team football on offer.
The former Chelsea academy player has since flourished at St James Park.
Wareham’s rise has not gone unnoticed as a number of Championship clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Portsmouth, Bristol City and Cardiff City, among others, are understood to be monitoring the striker’s situation following Exeter’s drop into League Two, with the Grecians facing a battle to get the best possible value out of any potential deal.
For Reading supporters, Wareham’s development may be a source of frustration.
The striker made only a limited impact during his time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, but his move to Exeter has transformed his career prospects. Statistical analysis of his season shows significant improvements in both his goalscoring rate and overall attacking output.
Should Exeter receive a fee in the region of £2m to £2.5m this summer, Wareham would become one of the most valuable players in League Two and underline just how quickly fortunes can change in football.
With Championship interest growing and the transfer window now open, the former Reading academy graduate could soon be preparing for another step up the football pyramid.
