4 Reading FC Stars Who Will Have Top Clubs Scrambling This Summer!

4 Reading FC Stars Who Will Have Top Clubs Scrambling This Summer!

It remains to be seen whether or not a sale occurs, but engaging in contract negotiations with Kelvin Abrefa and Tivonge Rushesha, as well as maintaining key players, must be their first priority right now. The Royals’ fanbase will be praying that a takeover occurs before more player sales are required, since the Berkshire club needs to add players rather than lose them.

Their academy could come in handy, as some of their young players may be ready to step up and perform in the first team. However, an injection of quality is certainly required, and they may profit from keeping their key players. Ahead of the summer transfer market, we look at four significant players who may attract interest in the coming months.

Wing joined the Royals after his contract at Wycombe Wanderers expired. He was one of the club’s best signings of the summer 2023 window. Despite a period of injury, he has been a crucial first-teamer, registering 11 goals and 11 assists in 49 competitive appearances during the 2023/24 season.

Without him, the Royals may not have been able to score enough goals to remain in the third tier. And with two years remaining on his contract, it would be worth keeping him, at least until the ownership situation is resolved. Losing him might be devastating until an acceptable replacement arrives – and finding one will be difficult regardless of whether the ownership question is resolved or not. He’s an invaluable player to have at this level.

Speaking of priceless players, Knibbs has been outstanding since Ruben Selles abandoned the 4-2-2-2 formation. He wasn’t particularly useful out wide for the Royals, but he has been superb as a central advanced midfielder, making good use of space and collaborating effectively with Sam Smith to guide the Royals to safety.

Knibbs is another player with two years remaining on his deal, and selling him this summer would be a mistake, given how valuable he could be alongside Smith next season. The 25-year-old still has space for improvement, so providing him a new deal may be a wise move if a sale occurs. It’s unclear whether he’ll sign it.

Azeez struggled early in the season, leading some to question Selles’ decision to keep him on the team. However, he regained confidence and became a game-changer before the Christmas break. He can score goals from outside the area, but his pace out wide is equally important. While he lacks quality in the final third, he has the potential to score.

Azeez struggled early in the season, prompting some to criticise Selles’ choice to keep him on the roster. However, he regained confidence and emerged as a game changer before the Christmas break. He can score from outside the box, but his pace out wide is also essential. While he lacks talent in the last third, he does have the ability to score.

Smith has perhaps been the least remarkable of the four on this list, but he has still been an important player. In fact, he is perhaps the Royals’ only viable striker option at the moment, which is why the Berkshire club cannot afford to sell him.

Holding the ball up well, winning aerial duels, getting himself into the proper places, and scoring 16 goals last season, 15 of which came in the league, it would be devastating if the Royals moved him now. His goalscoring record at this level for both the Royals and Cambridge United will pique fans’ interest.