Watford are one of the clubs interested in Reading star Amadou Mbengue according to reports, but they face stiff competition from Blackburn Rovers as well as Ligue 1 outfit Brest.
The Senegalese defender has been a mainstay for the Royals since arriving in 2022 and has surpassed the 100-appearance mark this season. His leadership and consistency at the back — particularly in partnership with Nottingham Forest loanee Tyler Bindon — have made him a fan favourite.
Contract talks uncertain as interest grows
Mbengue’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign, casting uncertainty over his future despite Reading’s push for promotion from League One. The club currently sit sixth in the table, clinging to a play-off place amidst ongoing off-field financial instability.
According to Africa Foot, both Watford and Blackburn are monitoring the situation closely, with Brest also expressing an interest in bringing the versatile defender back to France.
Having come through the ranks at FC Melun and FC Metz, Mbengue made his Ligue 1 debut for Metz in October 2021 before moving to England a year later. He initially joined Reading on a short-term deal in September 2022 before extending his stay with a new contract in July 2023.
Mbengue has also earned recognition on the international stage, being called up to Senegal’s U23 squad in March 2023. The 23-year-old remains open to playing at a higher level next season — a prospect that could materialise either through a successful promotion campaign with Reading or by joining one of the clubs tracking his progress.
Reading are bracing for upheaval in the summer, with several key players including Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Jeriel Dorsett, and Joel Pereira also out of contract. With their ownership situation unclear, the club are not in a position to spend over the odds on retaining players, with uncertainty still playing out at boardroom level.
Writer’s view
Reading fans will be hoping their team’s play-off chase ends in success, not just for promotion but to convince players like Mbengue to remain. His composure, versatility, and defensive leadership are difficult to replace — especially in a squad already facing significant turnover. If the Royals fail to go up, his departure may feel inevitable.
As for Watford, it’s not usual for them to recruit from the division below, but it could be an example of them cutting their cloth differently next season. With turmoil at Blackburn, it’s fair to say a move to Vicarage Road would be the least disruptive of the player’s three English options. That’s not something you can often say!
