SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Dom Ballard of Southampton during the Premier League 2 match between Southampton U21 and Liverpool U21at The Snows Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Reading FC is in urgent need of signings due to ongoing ownership issues and setbacks in the transfer window.
They are looking at former loanee Dom Ballard to bolster the squad and strengthen the left side.
Additionally, goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis is expected to leave, as the Royals currently have an excess of options in that position.
Reading FC will be keen to finalize new signings promptly, as they’ve had a slow start to the summer transfer window and need to strengthen their squad quickly.
The ongoing ownership situation has been a significant factor in Reading FC’s difficulties, with a takeover that seemed promising in March failing to materialize.
This setback has impacted their ability to act quickly in the transfer market. Despite this, they have managed to retain most of their first-team players from last season and will be eager to make moves in the transfer market as soon as possible.
The Royals have lost several former loanees and players like Matty Carson, Nesta Guiness-Walker, Sam Hutchinson, and Clinton Mola. However, some of their younger players may step up to add depth to the squad. Additionally, they managed to activate contract extensions for some key players, keeping them at the club for another year.
Despite these efforts, several areas still need reinforcement before their opening match against Birmingham City. Here’s a look at one potential signing and one expected departure before next month’s game at St Andrew’s.
In: Dom Ballard
According to Wokingham.Today, Reading FC is interested in re-signing former loanee Dom Ballard.
The Southampton starlet spent last season on loan at the Select Car Leasing Stadium but suffered an injury in November that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Consequently, Reading couldn’t fully benefit from his abilities, as he struggled in a 4-2-2-2 system but showed promise when played on the wing in a different formation.
Dom Ballard’s 2023/24 campaign at Reading
(All competitions)
Appearances
12
Goals
5
Assists
2
Dom Ballard, an England youth international, would likely have improved with more game time during the 2023/24 season. Given Reading’s limited options on the left wing for much of last term, he could have been a valuable addition.
Although Ballard is attracting interest from other Championship clubs, he might be assured of more playing time with Reading, making a return a plausible outcome. His strong relationship with manager Ruben Selles could enhance his chances of success if he re-joins the Royals. With the departure of Paul Mukairu, adding Ballard would address a critical gap on the left side, and a swift move could benefit all involved.
Out: Dean Bouzanis
The Royals’ goalkeeping department is currently overloaded with first-team options. Coniah Boyce-Clarke, though technically still an academy player, has made several first-team appearances and will be keen for more regular senior football. Jokull Andresson, Joel Pereira, and David Button also seek consistent first-team play.
Given the depth in goalkeeping options, it seems likely that Dean Bouzanis will leave the Select Car Leasing Stadium. With just one year remaining on his contract, the Royals might not make much from his sale, so a loan deal, where a club covers a significant portion of his wages, could be a viable solution.
It’s unfortunate for Bouzanis that he hasn’t been able to establish himself as a regular starter, as his performances haven’t been stellar during his time with the club.