Reading welcomes Harlee Dean and Tivonge Rushesha to its squad

Reading Football Club is bolstering its squad with the addition of two new players. Harlee Dean, a defender, has signed a two-year contract with the Royals, while Tivonge Rushesha, a 21-year-old midfielder, has joined the team on an initial one-year contract after a successful trial period.

Dean comes to Reading after six seasons at Birmingham City, where he made 200 appearances and was recognized as both the Supporters’ and the Players’ Player of the Year for the 2020-21 campaign.

The experienced player knows the work required to secure promotion from League One, having been a key part of the Brentford team that returned to the Championship in the 2013-14 season after 21 years.

Dean's professional football journey began in 2009 when he joined Dagenham & Redbridge's youth team.

After a series of non-League loans and a brief period with Southampton, Dean found his footing with Brentford, where he played a key role in their promotion and was named Supporters’ Player of the Year.

His last stint was with Birmingham City, where he had a regular spot in defence for four seasons and helped Sheffield Wednesday reach the play-offs during a loan period.

He has been training with the Royals throughout the summer, with paperwork finalised just in time for the upcoming season.

Mark Bowen, Head of Football Operations at Reading, spoke highly of Dean, saying, “Harlee brings many different qualities to Reading with him. He is another senior character and guiding voice in the dressing room, and he is a born leader with a track record of success. And most importantly, he is a hard-working, dependable footballer who loves the art of defending, and he will add quality and steel to Rubén’s team.”

Rushesha, a young talent originally from Zimbabwe, joined Reading after his contract with Swansea City expired. He has been heavily involved in the team's pre-season preparations.

The young midfielder's journey began at Swansea's academy, where he made his professional debut at just 17.

Despite facing serious injuries early in his career, Rushesha's tenacity saw him return to action and lead Swansea's Development side, earning him the under-23 Player of the Season Award for 2020-21.

Mark Bowen, commenting on Rushesha's signing, said: “Tivonge is a young man who has really impressed us during his trial, not just on the football pitch, but with his attitude. He is extremely keen to learn, and always asks the right questions about how he can improve. His love for football is evident, and he has seamlessly integrated into the squad. And I’m really pleased for him that we have been able to finalise this deal before the season starts.”