Reading are reportedly eager to re-sign highly-rated 19-year-old Southampton striker Dom Ballard on load ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, according to Reading Today.
Ballard joined the Royals on loan from Southampton last season. However, the forward’s time at the Madjeski Stadium was cut short following a season-ending injury in November.
The Saints player suffered a serious knee injury 30 minutes into Reading’s match against Wycombe. Ballard was stretchered off and has not played a competitive match since.
The injury was a bitter blow to Ballard and Reading after a strong start in Berkshire. In just 10 League One appearances, the £250,000 valuated player struck three goals, as recorded by Transfermarkt.
At the time, Reading manager Ruben Selles outlined his disappointment after losing a player of Ballard’s quality. Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire following the incident, the Reading Head Coach praised the teenager and hailed him as a “spectacular player”.
Yet the signs are encouraging for the 19-year-old after he returned to training with Southampton during pre-season, as per the Reading Chronicle. As a result, Reading has shown interest in bringing Ballard back for another loan stint for 2024/25.
Currently, the Royals are under a transfer embargo after failing to pay HMRC bills on time. The club cannot sign players for transfer fees due to the restrictions. But they can bring free agents in and sign players on loan.
Therefore, a move for the highly-rated Ballard would be achievable and the Saints could sanction the transfer following their promotion to the Premier League. Before his initial move to Reading, Ballard scored six goals in just three Premier League 2 matches for Southampton. He also scored four goals in eight matches for England’s under-19s, as reported by Transfermarkt.
Writer’s View
A lot of parts of Reading’s potential loan move for Ballard make sense. The teenage starlet will be familiar with the club and has already shown glimpses of potential at League One level. Ultimately, the stage is set for the Southampton man to return to the Madjeski Stadium this season.
In addition, the Royals’ transfer limitations mean getting other reliable players in during pre-season could be challenging. Yet, sealing Ballard’s signature for the season early on will give the club a boost and there will be plenty of intrigue over what the 19-year-old can achieve with a full season under his belt.
