Stoke City have failed to tempt Reading winger Femi Azeez to the Potteries, as reported by TeamTalk.
Reading are under transfer restrictions at the moment, meaning they can’t sign players, which makes their opening-day draw with Birmingham City even more impressive. Azeez is one of their key players; he was a key figure last term, chipping in with eight goals and nine assists in 46 league games.
That has attracted the attention of Stoke City, who also got off to a good start this weekend, beating Coventry City 1-0. After several seasons struggling in the middle of the Championship pack, they’re keen to push towards the top six and manager Steven Schomacher clearly sees Azeez as part of that plan.
However, a bid from the Championship side has been rebuffed by the Royals, even though Azeez missed the opening day of the season. That will also act as a deterrant for the likes of Millwall and Plymouth, both of who have coveted the winger.
Coach Ruben Selles commented that his absence from Saturday’s game had nothing to do with an impending transfer. “Yesterday in training he (Azeez) felt something in his back and he went inside,” Selles said after the game. “It’s no problem, it’s not about one player. This squad is not about one player or even one manager. It is about how we do things together.”
23-year-old Azeez has come through to professional football the hard way. He started life with Northwood before moving to Wealdstone in 2018 and impressed enough there to be snapped up by Reading. He’s since made 88 appearances for them, scoring 11 goals and he penned a new deal with the Royals in May, ensuring he remains at the Madjeski until the summer of 2025.
Thanks to his parents, Azeez qualifies to play for Spain and Nigeria as well as his native England.
Writer’s View
Reading will be desperate to hold on to key figures such as Azeez, and news a bid has been rebuffed is huge. Not only is it about hanging on to the player, but it suggests that the club’s ownership believe they won’t need the fee. Remember, he can walk for nothing in a year, so for many clubs. selling would be a no-brainer.
That said, Reading are on the brink of a takeover, and if that happens, Selles’ impressive work keeping them stable and in League One could be built upon. If they do get Rob Couhig in charge, and if he does put money into the squad, then Reading will be a massive force in League One, and hopefully able to reestablish themselves in the Championship.
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