BREAKING: Southampton loan winger Josh Sims to Reading

In a surprise move, Southampton football club have today confirmed that young winger Josh Sims will spent the next 12 months in the Championship on loan with Reading.

Many predicted that Sims could have an impressive campaign this year after the Saints loaned out Sofiane Boufal and sold Dusan Tadic, leaving the side with just Mohamed Elyounoussi and Nathan Redmond as their natural wingers.

However the club have today confirmed that the 21-year-old will spend a year on-loan with the Royals, which should do great things for his growth as a player.

Sims had made a good impact when he featured with the side off the bench, including the memorable assist against Liverpool to send Southampton to the Capital One Cup final in 2017.

Upon confirmation of the loan deal, the Saints released the following statement:

"“The club wishes Josh good luck for the campaign and will be monitoring his progress closely throughout.”"

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Josh Sims of Southampton is chased by Shir Tzedek of Hapoel Be’er Sheva during the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Southampton FC and Hapoel Be’er-Sheva FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 8, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Reading have lost all three games so far this Championship season under former-Swansea boss Paul Clement, meaning Sims will have a tough task impressing if the Royals aren’t going to enjoy a good campaign.

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However the youngster has made just 20 competitive appearances for the Saints in three years as a professional, and logic would suggest he’ll make more than that this coming year if he breaks into the Reading first team.

Therefore the time away from the club can only benefit his growth as a player, as him, Harrison Reed and Matt Targett are all at critical points in their Southampton careers.

However the lack of natural wingers offers the Saints limited rotation if they attempt to switch from a 3-5-2 to something like the 4-4-2 we saw against both Burnley and Everton.

Granted, Shane Long and James Ward-Prowse can both play their part out on the wing but Elyounoussi is now the club’s only natural left-winger with Nathan Redmond inconsistent at best.

Sims could make his Reading debut as soon as this Wednesday when the Royals play Blackburn at Ewood Park.

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