Reading FC boss confirms possibility of free agent addition...

Despite still being subject to a transfer ban, Reading manager Noel Hunt has acknowledged that there is room for the

team to join the free agent market in order to strengthen their roster.

For more than five years, the Royals have not paid a player’s fee, and they won’t be allowed to until they turn in their

financial accounts, which are nearly a year past due.

Sam Smith and Tyler Bindon were sold during the transfer window, however Bindon returned to the team on loan

from Nottingham Forest until the summer. Dean Bouzanis’ contract was also “mutually terminated” due to his

surplus to requirements.

Despite the fact that loan signings are no longer feasible because the window has closed, Hunt has stated that a free

agent might still be acquired as long as they adhere to the EFL’s rules.

“Potentially,” the manager responded when asked if a signing was possible. “We have limited options because we are

still subject to the embargo. In terms of the people and the construction, I’m pretty pleased with the bunch, and we

won’t rush to add someone and endanger that. We will investigate everything that stands out and that we believe

strengthens the group.

Reading are the only club in the country yet to publish their financial accounts, which were due last spring and would

cover the relegation season of 2022/23.

“I can’t sign it off and I don’t want to know anything about it,” Hunt said when queried on the accounts. “It’s

someone’s job and hopefully it gets sorted soon. As far as I’m concerned, I have to focus on what we have in the

building and what we can control.”

Another financial issue dominating supporters’ thoughts is next season, with only five players contracted to the club

beyond this spring.

However, the former Republic of Ireland international has confirmed it is the least of his worries at present.

“Right now, we’re just focused on what we do on the pitch. It’s down the line and we’re aware of it but right now we

can’t do anything about that. As I keep telling the players, they have to keep performing on the pitch, for yourself,

your teammates and the football club. Hopefully that scenario is sorted long before then and we can start making

progress in retaining players that we want to keep and value.”

Reading FC boss confirms possibility of free agent addition