26 January 2016
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Striker Orlando Sa has left Reading FC and has joined Maccabi Tel Aviv after the club successfully competed with AEK Athens for his signature. The Israeli side have given Sa a three and a half year contract. The transfer fee is undisclosed but it is expected to be just short of his summer purchase fee, making sure the Royals are not too much out of pocket over his move.
Sa had a short stay in Reading after only joining in the summer in a one million pound transfer from Legia Warsaw. He has had his opportunities limited since the arrival of Brain McDermott and his departure has been a constant rumour throughout January. He was clearly unimpressed with only appearing at a 90th minute substitute in the FA Cup replay victory over Huddersfield - and was then missing entirely from the weekend's Championship draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
McDermott continually failed to deny that he was looking to move Orlando Sa out of the club with rumours the player was unsettled in England. Speaking immediately after the Sheffield Wednesday match he confirm there was a "situation" with Orlando Sa, which meant he wasn't available for future selection.
McDermott went on to say: "I've got no problem with Orlando. He's a good guy, he works hard in training and when he's picked he does his best. I've no problem with him as a person. I would like to think I have a good relationship with him. I've done this job for a while now and I genuinely go on my gut feel - and what I think is right for the group that I've got."
Orlando Sa made 21 appearances for the Royals in his short career with the club and scored five goals. His most memorable performance was his hattrick in September's 5-1 home win against Ipswich Town.
In a parting message Sa said: "I would like to thank my team mates and fans at Reading FC and wish all the best for the future."
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