Reading FC could push for a final signing as the summer transfer deadline arrives on Tuesday evening. Manager Leam Richardson believes the club is stronger after a busy window that has brought eight new players to the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The Royals, currently 23rd in League One with one point from two games, are looking to bolster a squad that has scored three goals but conceded four this season. This report is based on coverage from the Reading Chronicle.
What business has Reading done this summer?
Reading have completed eight signings during the summer transfer window. The most recent additions are defender Josh Knight, who joined on a season-long loan from Portsmouth, and forward Jamie Reid, signed on a two-year deal from Stevenage. These moves bring the total number of summer arrivals to eight. The club also retains an interest in adding a left-back for depth, given concerns over Haydon Roberts' fitness and Jeriel Dorsett's form. You can view the full roster on our squad page.
Which other clubs were active on deadline day?
Major moves elsewhere dominated the final day of trading. Everton had a bid accepted for United States striker Folarin Balogun, who is 25. The offer was around £40million for a player who scored 31 goals in 91 appearances for Monaco. Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, 29, signed a three-year contract with Barcelona for a fee understood to be worth £12.8million. His former teammate Fabio Vieira completed a £7.7m move to Hamburg. Tottenham secured a double signing from Chelsea, bringing in Mykhailo Mudryk on a season-long loan with a £75m option and signing Tosin Adarabioyo permanently for about £7million.
What is the current state of the Reading squad?
The squad rebuild comes as Reading seek to climb the table. They sit nine points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town after a draw and a loss. Richardson's side faces a tough test in their next match, a home game against third-placed Blackpool on Saturday. The manager's confidence in his strengthened group will be tested immediately. Fans can track the team's progress in our standings section.
Were there any notable departures from the club?
Young forward Caylan Vickers completed a permanent move to Burton Albion for an undisclosed fee. He signed a two-year deal with an option for an additional season. Vickers made 22 appearances for Reading after coming through the academy before spending last season on loan at Barnsley and Wigan Athletic. In other significant moves across football, Brighton's Femi Azeez is closing in on a Premier League move, with his loan deal including a substantial option. Chelsea's new signing, 18-year-old Honest Ahanor, will spend this season on loan at Crystal Palace.
Reading's immediate focus shifts to preparing for the visit of Blackpool on September 5th.
