Reading have been left frustrated as any potential loan deals for targets Jay Stansfield and Lewis Fiorini have been put on hold due to the club’s transfer embargo, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
After failing to pay HMRC on time, the League One outfit have been placed under an embargo by the EFL, adding to a number of breaches the Berkshire club have been charged with since their relegation from the Championship last season.
New manager Rubén Selles stated he hoped to add 10 signings ahead of the campaign but with less than two weeks until their opening fixture at home to Peterborough, it appears those plans may be on hold.
Manchester United youngster Charlie Savage remains their only acquisition this summer.
What has been said?
On Twitter, journalist Darren Witcoop stated:
“Reading boss Ruben Selles increasingly frustrated as a fresh transfer embargo halts potential incomings.
“Fulham forward Jay Stansfield and Manchester City midfielder Lewis Fiorini among loan targets but face competition. Any potential Reading deals though now on hold.”
Who are the loan duo?
20-year-old Jay Stansfield is a product of Fulham’s academy but his loan spell last term with Exeter City captured the hearts of many as he became the first player to wear the number nine shirt with the Devon club since the passing of his father Adam Stansfield.
The youngster impressed on loan, registering nine goals and seven assists for the third-tier club in his first full professional season.
Meanwhile, Lewis Fiorini has enjoyed two EFL loan spells, with Lincoln City and Blackpool. The Manchester City youngster has become quite highly rated by his former clubs with 52 league appearances to his name at the age of 21.
A fight for their future
With the club currently unable to secure any sort of deal for the youngsters due to their embargo, this paints part of a bigger picture in which the Royals are fighting for existence.
Pressure is mounting against owner Yongge Dai, resulting in the fan movement “Sell Before We Dai”.
Alongside the added pressure of the nearing League One season with a new manager unable to add to his current crop of players, it is an extremely difficult time for the former Premier League club.
Writer’s View
It is easy to understand the frustration throughout the club as a whole. Selles coming into a job with no chance to make his own stamp on the playing squad whilst the club’s own existence is in question is a horrible situation for both the fans and the manager.
This should not be seen solely as a problem for Reading but one for our sport as a whole. Yet another club has entered the third tier with a dark cloud looming, with Wigan Athletic and Derby County having similar problems over the years. Royals fans deserve better.
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