Sam Baldock has left Brighton & Hove Albion to join Sky Bet Championship side Reading on undisclosed terms.



The striker has signed a three-year contract with the Royals on a deal that runs until June 2021, and ends a near four-year association with Albion following his arrival from Bristol City in August 2014.



Albion manager Chris Hughton said, “Sam has been a pleasure to work with during my time here, and he played a key role in our journey to the Premier League.



“His attitude and professionalism has been excellent, especially after not having as much game time as he would have liked last season.



“This move will allow him to play regular first-team football, and I would like to wish him all the very best for the future on behalf of everyone at the football club.”



Baldock made a total of 27 appearances during his first season at the club, scoring his first Albion goal in a 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth. He also found the net in an FA Cup fourth round tie against Arsenal, where the Seagulls were beaten by the same scoreline at the Amex.



The striker’s most fruitful spell in front of goal came during the unforgettable 2016/17 promotion-winning campaign, where he scored a total of 12 goals in all competitions, the last of which came in a 3-0 win over Derby County in March 2017.