Reading FC have turned down an offer from League One rivals Stevenage for defender Michael Craig, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old, who originally joined the Royals as a midfielder, has become a key figure in the squad but is out of contract this summer.
Craig’s Growing Role at Reading
Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022, Craig has made 70 appearances for the club. He has transitioned into a right-back role over the last nine months, deputising for club captain Andy Yiadom during his injury absence. So far this season, he has played 29 times in all competitions, starting in 24 of those matches and scoring one goal.
With just one week left in the winter transfer window, speculation has surrounded Craig, Harvey Knibbs, and Andre Garcia. However, no Reading player has yet departed despite growing interest from other clubs.
Why Reading Rejected the Bid
Stevenage, currently 15th in League One, made an offer to sign Craig on a permanent deal. However, Reading, who are just one point outside the play-off positions in eighth place, see Craig as an important part of their promotion push and are unwilling to let him go at this stage of the season.
The 21-year-old extended his contract for another year in 2024, but with no new deal in place, he is set to leave Reading on a free transfer at the end of this season unless an agreement is reached.
What’s Next for Reading?
Manager Noel Hunt has remained tight-lipped on potential departures but did confirm that Southampton recently made an inquiry about 17-year-old left-back Andre Garcia, though no bid has matched the club’s valuation.
With the transfer window closing on February 3, Reading must decide whether to cash in on Craig now or risk losing him for nothing in the summer. Meanwhile, Stevenage may have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
Writer’s View
Reading’s decision to reject Stevenage’s offer suggests they are prioritising their promotion ambitions over short-term financial gain. Craig has proven his versatility and reliability in defence, making him a crucial player for the remainder of the season. However, with his contract expiring in the summer, the Royals face a difficult decision—extend his deal or risk losing him for free.
