Reading manager Paul Ince believes new signing Mamadou Loum is a 'very good player' but calls on supporters to be patient as he settles in.
The 25-year-old Senegal international arrives on a season-long loan from Portugese giants Porto, fresh from a season in La Liga with Deportivo Alaves.
Not signed on in time to play a part in the curtain raiser against Blackpool on Saturday, he could potentially star against Cardiff City in the first home match of the new campaign.
It’s with a great pleasure that I announce my signing for FC Reading. I would like to say thank you to the wonderful club of Alavès where I was welcomed. I know they will bounce back stronger.
— Mamadou Loum Ndiaye (@Loum_Ndiaye) July 29, 2022
London, here I come! pic.twitter.com/eSKcxgtzQV
Speaking on the new arrival at Bloomfield Road, Ince beamed: "He's a big lad at 6’2, a midfield player. He’s strong, he can tackle, he can score goals, and he’s great with the players already. He’s a lovely character. He’s got to settle in, I know what it’s like when I went to Inter Milan, it doesn’t just happen. When he’s ready he’ll show what a very good player he is."
Another player expected to star for the Royals is defender Naby Sarr.
The 28-year-old has been with the club all week, with the EFL still yet to give the final all-clear on the move.
A key part of Huddersfield Town's rise to the play-off final last term, the former France youth international is expected to be confirmed ahead of the match with the Bluebirds on Saturday.
However, without a club all summer, the former England captain is not expecting the centre-back at his best immediately.
"He's not done a lot with the team," Ince explained. "He’s been alright with his personal trainer but it’s a different type of energy, so he wouldn’t have been ready for today. Maybe next week or the week after."
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