Reading’s Michael Craig is a wanted man having impressed for the Royals and he could well be on his way out this summer, potentially to the Championship.
It could be described as a breakout season for the 21-year-old who really put his name on the map after pushing for a spot in the first team this year. Despite not appearing until mid-October, Craig would rack up 28 appearances in the third tier, 17 of those being starts.
His contributions would help the Royals to defy the odds and safely finish in 17th, nine points clear of the relegation places. Given all of the off-field problems at the club, which may well carry into next season, Reading have been incredibly impressive and Ruben Selles deserves plenty of credit.
The Spaniard has operated with a fairly young squad all season, handing plenty of opportunities to youth players just like Craig, with visions of lifting the club back to the Championship in the future. Obviously the ownership barrier is a big one to get over, but on the pitch, there’s some hope for next season for the fans.
They may potentially be masters of their own downfall this summer, due to the fact that so many young players have impressed. Given their financial instability, other clubs will be looking to poach some of their players and it is believed that Craig is one of those.
A report from the Football Insider states that Portsmouth are one of the sides who are interested in the 21-year-old. He should certainly improve from the experience of this season and looks to have plenty more to offer.
Portsmouth are already mapping out their transfer plans for next season having been promoted to the Championship as Champions. It comes as no surprise that they’re looking for youthful additions, as John Mousinho seems to have a way of getting the best out of some younger players. They’ve also recently been linked with Karamoko Dembele, who spent the season on loan with Blackpool and these two certainly won’t be the only ones rumoured with a move to Fratton Park this summer.
Perhaps for Craig’s development staying at Reading would be the best option. However it’s unlikely he’ll turn down the offer to play in the Championship if Portsmouth do come knocking.
Writer’s View
Reading may unfortunately lose a lot of their squad this summer after this season’s success and it comes as no surprise given they’ve overcame plenty of problems.
Michael Craig will be one of those wanted men and he’s displayed his talent this season despite potentially not getting as many opportunities as others. As a result he’ll surely improve in years to come and could be quite an asset.
He’ll be playing a supporting role if he was to join Portsmouth and he’s surely a player that they’d be signing with the future in mind rather than the present.