Official: Tiago Ilori Reading Transfer Confirmed

For Liverpool fans desperate for some winter transfer window magic to help the side kick on in the second half of the season, this probably isn’t the move they were looking for. Liverpool’s first action of the window is the departure of the 23-year-old Portuguese defender Tiago Ilori for a fee of £3.75 million.

The club had to take a financial hit on this one; Ilori was brought in as a hot, young prospect in the summer of 2013 for nearly double the cost, £7 million. And that was in 2013 money, y’all. However, in successive loan spells with Granada, Bordeaux, and Aston Villa failed to impress either Brendan Rodgers or Jürgen Klopp. In 3.5 years with Liverpool, Ilori managed a scant three appearances for the Reds, and none in the league. This season, Ilori has only featured for the U-23s. I think it’s safe to say that it’s time for the club and player to part ways.

Despite his struggles at Liverpool, Reading manager Jaap Stam is quite happy to bring the defender aboard.

"Tiago is the type of defender a lot of people like -- his technical skill, passing ability, pace, quality and physique,” Stam said in an interview with Reading’s official website. “We always want players with those attributes within our squad.

"And looking to the future, you need to seize the opportunity when players like Tiago are available, so we're very happy that he will be joining us at Reading."

Ilori’s new deal with Reading will run through the 2019/20 season. We very well might see Ilori back in the Premier League next season, as Reading currently sit fourth in the Championship. Best of luck, Tiago!