Former Reading FC striker Jayden Wareham has completed a permanent move to Wycombe Wanderers. The 23-year-old forward leaves Exeter City after a summer of speculation about his future, as reported by Reading Today Online this week.
Wareham's transfer brings him back to League One, where he scored 19 goals last season. Reading, who are currently 23rd in the table with one point from two games, offered him a new contract in the summer of 2025. He chose to join Exeter City instead, a decision that led to his breakout campaign.
Where does Wareham fit into Wycombe's plans?
Wycombe Wanderers have secured a forward with proven League One pedigree. Jayden Wareham's 19-goal haul for Exeter City last season made him one of the division's most sought-after attackers. Several clubs were monitoring his situation throughout the summer, with Wycombe being linked as early as August.
The move is a permanent one for an undisclosed fee. Wareham brings experience from his time at Chelsea and over 50 appearances across two seasons with Reading. His career began in Reading's academy before spells with QPR and Woking. He returned to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in 2023 after being released by Chelsea.
How does this affect Reading's season?
The Royals are navigating a difficult start to the campaign, sitting 23rd with a record of zero wins, one draw and one loss. They have scored three goals and conceded four, leaving them with a minus one goal difference. You can track their progress on our standings page.
Wareham's departure from a direct rival could be seen as a positive, but his potential impact for Wycombe is significant. He could line up against his former club later this season, adding an extra layer to those fixtures. Reading's immediate focus is on their next match, a home game against third-placed Blackpool on September 5th. Full details are on our fixtures list.
What was Wareham's path to this move?
Jayden Wareham's journey highlights the unpredictable nature of football development. After leaving Reading's academy, he had brief periods at QPR and Woking before a high-profile move to Chelsea. His return to Reading in 2023 provided a platform, but it was his subsequent move to Exeter City that truly ignited his career.
His prolific form there, culminating in 19 League One goals, made a transfer inevitable. Reading Today Online confirmed the deal, quoting Wareham: "Former Reading FC striker Jayden Wareham has completed a permanent move to Wycombe Wanderers after leaving Exeter City." The striker now has a fresh chance to prove himself at a club that has pursued him for weeks.
Reading's squad, which you can view on our squad page, will now prepare for the challenge of Blackpool while sitting nine points behind league leaders Huddersfield Town. The club's recent form reads DL from their opening two matches, a start they will be desperate to improve upon quickly. Their next fixture at home presents a critical opportunity to climb the table.
