German side Bayern Munich have signed Reading left-back Omar Richards on a free transfer. 

The academy graduate joins the footballing giants having played more than 100 times for the Royals. 

Richards, 23, will join the Bavarians when his deal at the Madejski comes to an end in the summer.

The left-back enjoyed a stellar season for Reading in the 2020/2021 season after cementing his place in the back line. 

Speculation about his future has been rife since the January transfer window with his contract coming to an end this summer. 

Reading offered the former-Fulham star a contract earlier this month but it appears Richards had his heart set on Germany. 

Both Reading and Bayern Munich announced the switch this morning. 

In a statement, Reading FC said: "Richards was offered a new contract at the club but he has opted to follow in the footsteps of another of our most successful Academy products, Gylfi Sigurdsson, in making the move to the German top flight to continue his career at the Allianz Arena with the six-time European Cup champions.

"We would like to wish Omar the very best of luck in this next step in his career."

In a tweet, Richards said: "I’m over the moon to be joining @FCBayern, a top club with such great history. I feel honoured to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get started, continuing to improve and give my all to help the team achieve our targets!"