Exeter City has made a significant move in the League One transfer market by securing the signing of 22-year-old striker Jayden Wareham from Reading FC. The young forward, who has shown promising talent and steady development over the past two seasons, has committed to a two-year deal with the Grecians, including an option for a third year. This acquisition is seen as a strategic boost for Exeter as they prepare for the upcoming 2025/26 League One campaign.
Wareham’s journey through football has been an interesting one, marked by several notable stops before his current step up. Born in Ascot, he began his youth career at Reading’s academy from 2011 to 2014 before moving to Queens Park Rangers, where he spent five years honing his skills. Following his time at QPR, he spent a season with Woking’s first team, which paved the way for a successful trial and subsequent signing by Chelsea in 2021. After two years with Chelsea, Wareham was released in 2023, prompting his move back to Reading on a one-year deal.
His debut for Reading came in a memorable 9-0 EFL Trophy win against Exeter, ironically the club he now represents. Despite limited first-team appearances initially, his impressive performances for Reading's under-21 side earned him an extension of his contract by another year in 2024. Wareham then progressed to become a more regular fixture in the first team, especially after the departure of Sam Smith in January 2025, and was voted the TTE Rookie of the Season for 2024/25, a testament to his breakthrough and growing influence.
During the 2024/25 season, Wareham made 55 appearances across all competitions for Reading, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. His goal-scoring rate, averaging a goal every 309 minutes, highlighted his efficiency and potential as a striker in League One. Notably, he scored a crucial goal against Exeter last season within 90 seconds of the match starting, contributing to Reading’s 2-1 victory in Devon.
Despite his rising profile and the expectation that he would renew his contract with Reading, Wareham decided to turn down the offer and make the move to Exeter City. The decision came as a surprise to many, given his promising trajectory at Reading and the club’s efforts to retain him. The exact reasons behind the move remain speculative, with possibilities including the promise of more regular first-team football or better contractual terms at Exeter. Reading simultaneously confirmed the departure of fan-favorite Amadou Mbengue to Queens Park Rangers, marking a day of significant squad changes for the Royals.
Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell expressed his enthusiasm about securing Wareham’s signature, revealing that the club had been pursuing the striker extensively throughout the summer. Caldwell praised Wareham's qualities, saying, "We believe he's a young striker with a huge future. He's scored goals at League One, which is very difficult for us to attract a player who has scored goals at our level, they normally come with a huge price tag, and hopefully we've kind of stolen a march on teams and got in for Jayden at the right time when we can get him." He also highlighted Wareham’s work ethic and pressing ability, adding, "He's a really energetic player who works extremely hard, not only does he score and perform in possession, but he actually is the first line of defence and presses extremely well."
In addition to Wareham, Exeter strengthened their squad by signing Brentford midfielder Ethan Brierley on a season-long loan. Brierley, 21, has spent the past two seasons playing for Brentford’s B team after joining from Rochdale in 2023. Although his first-team experience at Brentford is limited to a substitute appearance in the EFL Cup two years ago, Caldwell expressed confidence in Brierley’s potential, stating, "He's somebody we know a lot about and we've been tracking him for a long time. I feel like this is the right opportunity and moment for him to come and show what he can do." Brierley is seen as a dynamic and energetic midfielder who can contribute both defensively and offensively, similar in style to Ryan Trevitt, another Brentford loanee who had successful spells at Exeter.
Wareham himself shared his excitement about joining Exeter City, emphasizing the positive impression made by manager Gary Caldwell and the club’s ambitions. He said, "I'm absolutely buzzing. It's been a long process but after I heard the manager wanted me, and I had a call with him a few weeks ago, he was really positive about his ambitions and goals this year and I'm really excited to be a part of that." He also underlined his hunger for regular playing time, a key factor in his decision to move: "I'm a young, hungry striker, I've only just turned 22. When you're my age and you're a young striker you want to be playing games and that's what I hope to get here and I've been told that it's going to be really positive for me and I'm excited to get going." Before finalizing the transfer, Wareham consulted with former Exeter loanee Joe Whitworth, who spoke highly of the club and the area, further reassuring Wareham about his move.
Exeter City finished 16th in League One last season, and the addition of Wareham is expected to inject fresh attacking impetus as they aim to improve their standing. With Wareham’s proven goal-scoring ability and energetic playing style, coupled with Caldwell’s clear vision for the squad, the Grecians are optimistic about the upcoming season. The club’s proactive approach in the transfer market, including the signing of Brierley, indicates a commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging higher up the table.
For Reading, Wareham’s departure represents a notable loss of a young talent who was beginning to establish himself as a key player. The Royals now face the challenge of finding suitable replacements as they continue their squad rebuilding process. Meanwhile, Wareham’s journey at Exeter will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, eager to see if he can translate his potential into consistent performances and goals.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Exeter City’s acquisition of Jayden Wareham stands out as a significant coup in League One. With the season approaching, all eyes will be on St James Park to see how Wareham adapts and contributes to the Grecians’ ambitions.
