Reading defender Naby Sarr has joined Qatar-based outfit Almarkhiya SC on a two-year contract.

The centre-back joined the Royals in August after a drawn-out process with the EFL, scoring on his debut in a 1-0 win over Millwall.

Struggling with injuries for most of the first-half of the campaign, the former Huddersfield Town favourite became dependable and reliable as the season wore on.

Signed on a multi-year contract, it is expected that the club picked up some form of fee.

The 29-year-old scored once in 25 appearances in total, and becomes the first contracted player to depart the club since relegation in May.

Al-Markhiya finished seventh in last season's Star's League, and are managed by former New Zealand and Bahrain head coach, Anthony Hudson- son of former England international Alan Hudson.

This news comes just days after top scorer Tom Ince was heavily linked with a move to Norwich City, with the club losing talent after the drop to League One.

A managerial replacement is yet to be found.