Reading Braced For Significant Player Departure
Reading might be in the latter stages of a takeover, but they’re about to be hit with a major blow, as playmaker Femi Azeez closes in on a move to Millwall.
The Royals have got off to a decent start this season, drawing with ambitious Birmingham City as well as beating Wigan this weekend. Last night, they beat West Ham Under 21s 3-1 to get their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign up and running as well.
However, they’re still operating under a transfer embargo and as such, cannot bring in new faces. They’re now set for further disappointment as Azeez, one of their star players, is poised to join Championship side Millwall.
That’s the news coming out of the Den, with a medical reportedly due today, according to London News Online. All being well, there should be an announcement on the situation before the close of play, which is great news for Lions’ fans, but not Reading.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals in 89 appearances for his club since signing from non-league Wealdstone in 2019. Last season he had 18 goal involvements, with ten assists in League One, making him one of the most creative wide players in the division.
This season he’s played just 23 minutes, that coming late on against Wigan, but has still be widely coveted by a number of Championship clubs. it’s been hard for Reading to fend off interest, given their delicate financial position. They’re unable to complete deals until Rob Couhig is confirmed as the new owner, which should be any day now.
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Millwall are gathering up League One talent for their season, with the likes of Lukas Jensen already signed for a decent fee. Azeez will cost a bit; the figure is likely to be north of £500,000. In their current state, that won’t go back into the playing budget, but if and when Couhig does finish his business, Reading will be up and running.
It’s a blow, 100%, but it’s one the club can ride out as the final one (hopefully) of a long and arduous journey towards some sort of stability.
