Before the summer transfer window shuts, the Royals need to make two or three additions, with the forward position being unquestionably one that needs to be addressed.
Due to their lack of depth in this position without John Clarke, a left-back may possibly be on their agenda today; however, it’s unknown whether they are aiming to sign a loanee or a free agent at this position.
They won’t have to sign their target before tonight’s deadline of 11 p.m. if they choose the latter course of action.
The last area they would want to consider is their centre midfield, where Lewis Wing’s injury has shown how limited their choices are.
One of those choices is Sam Hutchinson, but they can’t fully rely on him given his history of injuries.
But since Andy Carroll left yesterday, there is a pressing need to address the forward area.
How are things going moving forward for Reading?
Following Carroll’s departure—the former England international ended his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium—the Royals don’t have many options in this regard.
Sam Smith will likely be their star player when he returns, but he has been injured and may need some time to fully recover after missing the first several months of the season.
But this semester, both Caylan Vickers and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, a fellow student, have shown promise.
Jahmari Clarke is another natural forward option in addition to those two, but Jayden Wareham won’t be able to play for the first team because it doesn’t appear that they have yet secured him a contract.
Basil Tuma, Harvey Knibbs, Paul Mukairu, Femi Azeez, and others may be able to play up top as well, but this season, at least two or three will likely be needed on the wings.
Ballard appears to be another possibility in this field, and after already scoring two hat tricks in Premier League 2 this season, he may be a great acquisition.
This move ought to be approved if he won’t be assured game time at Reading and won’t be a regular member of the first team.Given his track record of scoring goals and the possibility that Che Adams and Kamaldeen Sulemana might secure moves away from the south coast before tonight’s transfer deadline, keeping him in the St. Mary’s first squad may have been a wise decision.
The Saints will likely have more work to do in the transfer market before the deadline as a result of Ballard’s departure, which isn’t ideal, but the choice to send Ballard to Berkshire could prove advantageous.
Ballard may get used to playing senior football frequently over a season at the SCL Stadium, and if he excels there, that will only help his career.
