New Bournemouth signing Jack Stacey came through the Reading youth academy.
Reading can have reason for regret today as former youngster Jack Stacey has completed a move to Premier League side Bournemouth.
According to a report in the BBC, the Cherries have signed Stacey in a £4 million deal from Championship newcomers Luton Town.
Stacey, who can play both in defence and midfield, is a compelling example of why youngsters shouldn’t give up on themselves if they are forced to move down the football pyramid after initial struggles.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Reading. He only made six first-team appearances for the Royals, as they opted to loan him out to the likes of Barnet and Exeter City for experience.
Many at the Madejski Stadium expected Reading to give Stacey a chance. After all, he played 38 times in the 2016-17 campaign for Exeter and helped the club reach the League Two playoff final.
The Royals, however, instead opted to let him go. Stacey joined Luton in 2017 on an initial two-year deal for a fee the BBC list as undisclosed. Luton were in League Two at the time, so it was likely for a minimal fee.
Stacey then went on to play a key part in Luton’s consecutive promotions to the Championship, playing in 86 league games over the past two seasons as the Hatters now join Reading in the second tier.
The Royals are reportedly in financial troubles. According to the Reading Chronicle in March, the club posted a £21 million loss for the year, with a chunk of that due to player recruitment.
It seems the Berkshire club need a new direction, and they should look at Stacey’s move to Bournemouth as a hugely missed opportunity to develop their own players and later reap the rewards.
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