Ovie Ejaria, once a rising star at Arsenal and Liverpool, has become a free agent following the termination of his contract with Reading in League One.

The 26-year-old midfielder’s departure marks the end of a challenging season marred by injury issues.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Ovie Ejaria of Reading reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Reading at Bet365 Stadium on February 06, 2021 in Stoke on Trent, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Ovie Ejaria of Reading reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Reading at Bet365 Stadium (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Former Premier League footballer Ovie Ejaria has become a free agent following the termination of his contract with League One club Reading.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who once played for Arsenal and Liverpool, mutually agreed with Reading to end his deal ahead of the January transfer window.

Ejaria has faced challenges this season due to injury problems, leading to limited game time. He managed only eight league games in the previous term.

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His contract, initially set to end this summer, has been “amicably” terminated early, aiding Reading in their efforts to reduce expenditure.

Beginning his career with promise, Ejaria was part of both Arsenal and Liverpool’s youth setups. His journey included loan spells at Sunderland, Rangers, and Reading.

He eventually moved to Reading permanently in 2020 for £3.5 million.

Ejaria also earned recognition on the international stage, securing one cap for England‘s Under-21s and contributing to the Under-20s squad’s World Cup victory in 2017, alongside notable players like Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Reading, currently facing a relegation battle in League One, announced the departure of Ejaria via an official statement.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Ovie Ejaria of Liverpool and Reiss Nelson of Arsenal in action during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Meadow Park on August 25, 2017 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Ovie Ejaria of Liverpool and Reiss Nelson of Arsenal in action during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Meadow Park on August 25, 2017 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The club expressed gratitude for his contributions, stating, “Reading Football Club can confirm that Ovie Ejaria has left the club by mutual consent and becomes a free agent. The midfielder, who joined from Liverpool, after impressing during a season-long loan during the 2019-20 campaign, signed permanently with the Royals in the summer of 2020 – making 124 appearances in total and scoring 9 goals.

“Ejaria’s contract was due to expire after the end of this current season. However, with injury and fitness problems limiting first-team action of late and a desire from the club to reduce its expenditure, an agreement was amicably reached for Ovie to leave the club early.

“We would like to thank Ovie for his contribution to Reading Football Club and wish him well for the rest of his career.”

Ejaria’s tenure at Reading saw him make 127 appearances across all competitions, contributing to 22 goal involvements.

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