We are delighted to announce the signing of 22-year-old forward Jayden Wareham from Reading on a two-year-contract, subject to EFL approval.

Following the expiration of his contract at the Berkshire side, Wareham rejected a new deal and has opted to join the Grecians for an undisclosed compensation fee. The club also have the opportunity to exercise a further optional year within his contract.

A powerful forward, Jayden plays through the middle as a central striker who made 44 appearances for the Royals last season, while scoring eight goals.

Born in Ascot, Jayden is a product of the Royals academy, having joined at the age of eight, before featuring as a youngster for QPR and Woking, where he would make his senior debut in the National League, aged 16 in 2020. 

Following a trial with Chelsea, Wareham joined the Blues and placed into the under-23 side where he scored seven goals in 27 appearances – some of which came in the EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League.

A loan spell at Leyton Orient saw Jayden's first experience of EFL football, where he scored twice in seven League Two matches, before returning to his boyhood club Reading in September 2023 signing a one-year deal. A player with history in Devon, his Royals’ debut came against the Grecians in the EFL Trophy a few weeks later, and in October 2024, after signing a one-year extension, he scored his first goal for the club at St James Park.

City Manager Gary Caldwell expressed his delight in bringing Jayden to the club. "I'm really excited, every year it’s a challenge to sign number 9s and this year we’ve managed to get a young one who’s played at this level, who’s scored at this level and we believe has a massive future for us and the rest of his career at a higher level.

"He’s a huge addition to the squad," continued Gary, "He’s someone we’ve spoke to all summer to try and get the deal done, I think the timing that we’ve came in to get him has been key.

"He really fits the profile of player we want, he’s young, he’s hungry and wants to do well at this level and beyond. He got the better of Tristan Crama last season and not many centre forwards done that last season in League One or the Championship."

Welcome to St James Park, Jayden!
 
If you would like to sponsor Jayden for the 2025/26 season, please get in touch with our commercial team via: commercial@ecfc.co.uk.