Walsall Football Club are delighted to announce the arrival of striker Jayden Reid from Championship side Birmingham City, with the forward signing on loan until the end of the season.
Reid, 19, spent the first half of the 2020/21 season on loan at fellow League Two side Barrow, where he made 12 appearances, including one against the Saddlers in a 2-2 draw back in October.
The teenager joined Blues last summer after he left Swansea City’s academy and has scored on a regular basis for their Under-23s team.
Following the resumption of Championship football in June, Reid made his first team debut against Swansea at St.Andrew’s and then went on to make a further three appearances.
On his loan move, Reid expressed his delight at joining the Saddlers and how he is now ready to kick on and help the team in the second half of the season.
“I’m really happy with the move here and I can’t wait to get started,” said Reid.
“Walsall is a great club with history. Joining Walsall will be a great opportunity for me in my career, it’s a strong side that’s in a good position in the league too.
“As a young player making a step into league football it’s always good getting experience but with the experience I need to show the club and the players that I am good enough to play and help the team finish as high as possible providing hard work, goals and assists.
“I had a strong first half of the season at Barrow and got a taster of what league football is like.
“From my first game I could feel the competitiveness and hunger to win games also how much it means to the players and staff.
“So I’ll be looking to implement the same hunger and desire to win as much as possible.
“On the pitch I believe I will provide options.
“I describe myself as a modern day forward, who can play as a striker, behind the striker/s, left forward or right forward positions. I am quick, technical and can use both feet.
“Off the pitch I will integrate with the players to help bond with my teammates, as I think that is equally as important, to help the bonding on the pitch.”
And following the capture of his second loan signing of the January transfer window, manager Darrell Clarke is looking forward to working with Reid over the remaining 23 games of the League Two campaign.
"We’re really pleased to add Jayden to the squad,” said Clarke.
"We lost Jake Scrimshaw so I wanted to give us a different attacking option and someone who has had a bit of League Two experience to give us more competition up front.
“Jayden fits that profile and we're looking forward to working with him."