Reading FC have reportedly paid a significant fee to bring George Earthy to Berkshire – but West Ham United could still benefit from the midfielder’s future.
The 21-year-old became Reading’s latest summer signing on Wednesday after completing a permanent move from the Hammers on a three-year contract. Both clubs have kept the financial details of the deal undisclosed.
However, a figure has now emerged which could give Royals supporters an idea of the investment made to bring the highly-rated midfielder to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
According to @westhamfootball on X, Reading have paid £600,000 for Earthy, with West Ham also retaining a percentage of any profit from a future sale.
The account is run by a West Ham fan who hosts a podcast about the club and runs a Hammers-focused fan site.
The reported figure has not been officially confirmed by either Reading or West Ham, with the latter describing the transfer as being for an undisclosed fee.
If accurate, the deal represents a sizeable investment from Reading as manager Leam Richardson continues to build his squad for the League One campaign.
Earthy joined West Ham’s academy as a youngster and progressed through the club’s youth system before making his senior debut in 2024.
He scored on his Premier League debut against Luton Town and also gained valuable Championship experience during two loan spells at Bristol City.
His first season with the Robins was particularly successful, with Earthy making 40 appearances and scoring three goals across all competitions. He was also named Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year.
His second spell was more difficult, with opportunities limited amid competition for attacking positions.
Reading see the move as an opportunity to bring a young player with first-team experience into Richardson’s squad while giving Earthy the chance to establish himself at senior level.
The midfielder is expected to provide another option in the attacking midfield role, adding competition for places alongside Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes.
