Reading is in talks to sign FC Copenhagen winger Paul Mukairu on a season-long loan, as reported by Pete O’Rourke of the Football Insider.

The Royals opened their first campaign in the third tier since 2001-02 with two defeats, going down 1-0 at home to fellow promotion chasers Peterborough United and then going down by the same scoreline on the road at Port Vale last Saturday. Manager Ruben Selles is now looking to add extra firepower to his squad following the two blanks despite an impressive 4-0 victory at Millwall in the Carabao Cup. 

Selles has already added the like of Harlee Dean, Charlie Savage and David Button to strengthen the spine of his team and now looks to be in the hunt for a pacey winger to add flair to his misfiring squad. Nigerian-born Mukairu found time on the pitch hard to come by since joining the Danish giants from Turkish outfit Antalyaspor as his side have won two successive titles and a Danish Cup over his two seasons. The former Anderlecht loanee can play right across the forward line and will provide options for Reading as they look to mount a serious promotion challenge. 

Mukairu only played ten times in the Superligaen last season but did make three appearances in the Champions League, including two against eventual winners Manchester City. He has failed to register a goal and has only one assist in his 25 Copenhagen matches but was involved in 10 goals from 53 games at Antalyaspor and contributed eight goal involvements in 25 games representing Anderlecht. 

After the problems and points deductions of last season and the lifting of the latest transfer embargo, Reading will be expected to make the final additions to a squad that they hope will fire them straight back to the Championship. 

Writer’s View

Mukairu is a versatile attacking player, the sort who a manager welcomes due to the options they bring. His career in Denmark has somewhat stalled but he is quick, direct and appears to be calm in front of goal. The Nigerian is very right-footed but can operate on either side and through the middle, looking to cut in onto his right foot, use his pace or take the full back down the outside. 

If this transfer goes ahead, it has the potential to be an exciting one for the Royals and one that will allow the player to get minutes on the pitch and restart his career providing goals and assists for Sam Smith and Harvey Knibbs.