Reading will be looking at signing players on loan and those available on free transfers as they look to build their squad for the 2025-26 campaign, that’s according to a BBC report.
The Royals are enjoying the first weeks of being rid of previous owner Dai Yongge.
All Change Behind The Scenes
Following the takeover by American businessman and former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig, former Chairboys defender Joe Jacobson was appointed to the role of chief executive.
The 38-year-old has the task of convincing those players who are out of contract to stay at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
There are several players out of contract, including Amadou Salif Mbengue, Michael Craig and Tivonge Rushesha.
Aside from those players who could potentially leave the club, Jacobson is tasked with finding new additions to improve a side that so narrowly missed out on a playoff berth last season.
Despite being free of the constraints of Yongge, Jacobson says the club is looking to be shrewd in their dealings.
“Right now where we are looking at is mainly free transfers and loans.”
As seems to be the case at this time of year, transfer activity is slow and most clubs are fishing from the same pond.
“It’s slow at the moment everywhere. It feels like everyone is after the same small group of players and just before pre-season it speeds up a bit.”
The chief executive did admit to the club being quite far down the line with some deals and admitted they have made contract offers.
“We have our targets and we have spoken to some that we want. There is some that we have offered contracts out to that we’re speaking to daily, people we really want that would be exciting for the football club.”
“Hopefully we can have some more exciting news quite soon.”
Writer’s View
Reading’s new era under Rob Couhig and Joe Jacobson appears to be about smart, sustainable growth, with financial caution replacing the chaos of the previous ownership. Targeting loans and free transfers is a wise move.
Jacobson’s calm, honest outlook is refreshing—he knows rebuilding takes time. Fans should take heart: stability off the pitch often brings results on it. A well-structured, sensible summer could finally push Reading back into promotion contention.
