Reading secure Ben Elliott from Chelsea on a three-year contract

Reading has officially signed 20-year-old midfielder Ben Elliott from Chelsea on a three-year contract for the 2023-24 season.

Elliott, originally from Kingston upon Thames, began his football career at Chelsea's academy at the age of eight.

He advanced through the academy's ranks and signed his first professional contract with the club in November 2019.

During his time at Chelsea, Elliott played for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy against Exeter City in August 2021 and scored a goal against Peterborough in the same competition in the subsequent season.

In 2022, he joined Chelsea's senior squad for a training camp in Abu Dhabi, training alongside players such as N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and former Reading loanee Cesare Casadei.

On the international front, Elliott has represented England at age-group levels. More recently, he earned his first senior cap playing for Cameroon against Mexico, under the management of Rigobert Song.

Mark Bowen, Head of Football Operations at Reading, commented on the acquisition, stating, "Ben is a skilled footballer who drew attention from several clubs both in England and abroad. We're pleased to have him at Reading and offer him an opportunity to further showcase his abilities."