Reading’s financial troubles under Dai Yongge’s failed ownership continue, but on the pitch, the Royals have kept their League One play-off ambitions alive.
The EFL penalised the Berkshire club with a six-point punishment in April 2023 for violating the league’s profitability and sustainability regulations, costing them their Championship place.
Yongge’s failure to complete the club’s HMRC duties has resulted in ongoing fines for the Royals, affecting both players and supporters.
Reading’s long-term future is under peril, after former manager Ruben Selles departed the club to join Championship side Hull City in December.
Reading FC tipped to sell Andre Garcia this summer
In light of the Royals’ troubles, Football League World asked Reading fan pundit Johnny Hunt if he believes youngster Andre Garcia would be sold by the club this summer.
Garcia has been linked with a Premier League move in recent windows, with Southampton making a failed bid of £2 million for the young left-back in January.
Johnny replied, “I think there’s so lot that depends on what happens with the ownership of the club, whether he’s sold or not.
“The way things are, Garcia will most likely be sold because we are not in a position to keep players.
“In football, I believe he is still learning a lot. He is a raw talent; he is young, and he will make mistakes.
“You can see his potential, but he still has a long way to go, and I believe a player his age should be playing on a daily basis. Probably our level.
“Would he make the first team of a Championship side? I am not sure.
“The last thing a child like that needs is to be sitting on the bench, not receiving game time, or returning to under-23 football, because he’s playing at a different level now, which is physically demanding.
“He needs to physically improve as well, which will benefit his game.
“I wouldn’t want him sold since he’s a wonderful little player with a lot of potential.
“But we don’t know if the ownership issue will be a question of ‘will he have to be sold?'”
“Let’s hope not.”
Reading could lose a real asset in Andre Garcia
Royals supporters are uncertain about the club’s future beyond this season, especially if Yongge does not sell it.
However, if their financial difficulties force them to sell the talented Garcia, fans will find it difficult to swallow from a footballing standpoint as well.
| Andre Garcia 2024/25 League One stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 |
| Starts | 18 |
| Tackles won % | 62.5 |
| Duels won % | 43.4 |
| Pass accuracy % | 76.5 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Goals | 0 |
Garcia is only 17 years old, but he has been a valuable asset to the Royals this season, making 31 appearances across all competitions.
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