Dean Departs: These Stunning Events Could Send Ruben Selles Over the Moon at Reading FC!
Selles will be hoping for new ownership at Reading this summer to build on the club’s survival last season. Given his strong performance and importance in the midfield, wing should be a top priority for contract extension negotiations. Ballard’s permanent return to Reading would be a significant boost, while Dean’s departure might benefit both sides. Ruben Selles’ primary priority at Reading this summer must be a takeover.
The 40-year-old overcame some big off-field troubles last season to lead the Royals to survival, a commendable feat given they were docked six points in total during the 2023/24 season. They didn’t have the best start to the season, and the Berkshire side could have easily crumbled, but they fought back and avoided relegation in consecutive seasons. Their performance in the final few months of the season offers fans reason to be positive, but a sale at the Select Car Leasing Stadium is essential if the Royals are to progress and attempt to rebuild their way back to the Championship in the future years.
Even with new owners, this will not be a simple task. In the short term, we look at some of the things Selles might like to see happen in the next months.
Lewis Wing signed a three-year contract at the SCL Stadium last summer, and he has proven to be a valuable acquisition. Arguably the Royals’ finest player in the 2023/24 season, he was effective in both midfield and attack, helping to control games for the Berkshire club and collecting 11 goals and 11 assists in 49 competitive appearances. That attacking record emphasises how vital he has been, and the Royals may face a difficult battle in retaining him.
However, the midfielder has stated that he would remain with the club next season, and with the player appearing to want to stay, tying him down to a one-year deal may be a good idea. However, this may only occur if new owners take over.
Keeping Harvey Knibbs could be critical, as the attacking midfielder has thrived since taking on a more central role. He played out wide in a 4-2-2-2 system early last season, which did not bring out the best in him, but he has performed admirably in the middle and has made a significant contribution with his goals and assists.
Combining effectively with Sam Smith and establishing himself as one of the Royals’ most important players, it’s not surprising that he’ll receive interest from other clubs in the coming months. However, if he stays, it might be critical in the Royals’ efforts to build on the 2023/24 season.
Former loanee Dom Ballard struggled up front early after joining the Royals, but Selles’ departure from the 4-2-2-2 shape suited the Southampton player. He was proving to be a threat on the left wing until he suffered a season-ending injury against Wycombe Wanderers in November, which was a huge blow for the Berkshire club, who had benefited greatly from having the England youth international on their roster. Given how highly regarded he is, the Royals would be thrilled if they could entice the adolescent to return to Berkshire for another season.
Last season, he scored five goals in 12 competitive appearances for the Berkshire club, demonstrating his threat, and it would not be surprising if the Royals made another move for him. Selles will undoubtedly want to recruit a player of his quality again.
With Sam Hutchinson released, the next player Selles may want to unload is Harlee Dean, who has been sidelined for much of the season. He has not been hurt, but Selles has been hesitant to play him, which is understandable given that he has failed to meet expectations in Berkshire.
Nelson Abbey, Tom Holmes, and Tom McIntyre may have left in the last six months, but if new owners invest in this area, the Royals will undoubtedly seek to transfer the former Birmingham City player. It may be the best outcome for all sides, since Dean is unlikely to be satisfied with the limited game time he was able to earn last season.
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