"Money talks" - Claim made on Charlie Savage transfer situation at Reading FC | OneFootball

Reading FC signed the 22-year-old in 2023

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Reading FC are preparing to embark upon their first season under new ownership, which has created a positive atmosphere at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The Royals have had a quiet but successful summer window, adding the likes of Liam Fraser, Matty Jacob, Paudie O'Connor, Daniel Kyerewaa, Jack Stevens, Finley Burns and Mark O'Mahony to their ranks.

Furthermore, key men such as goalkeeper Joel Pereria and midfielder Lewis Wing have also committed to new three-year deals.

However, attention has recently turned to Harvey Knibbs and his situation and the damage that it may do to Reading’s play-off ambitions next term.

Charlie Savage was another standout performer for the Royals last year who has been linked with an exit throughout this summer, with sides such as Blackburn, Birmingham City, Wrexham and Portsmouth all credited with an interest.

Football League World’s Reading fan pundit, Johnny Hunt, believes that the club should only cash in on Savage if the price is too good to refuse.

Reading FC told to try and hold on to Charlie Savage

“Charlie Savage is a good player and certainly capable of playing in the Championship,” stated Johnny. “You don't want him to leave because he's going to be a focal point of the team for next season.

“He creates goals, scores goals and works hard. He may come into his own even more if Harvey Knibbs goes to Charlton. The downside of that is if he sees someone like Knibbs going, will he want to move himself?

“He's still under contract, but hopefully he'd want to stay and be part of it. But the transfer window so far hasn't been the best recruitment-wise.

“We've got some good players in, but we haven't got the depth. Money talks in football, but then you have quite a large amount of money going to Manchester United as a sell-on fee.

“So, you'd have to sell him for a lot of money to make it worthwhile, but I wouldn't want him to go.

“He's a great player. I love watching him play and he's part of a great group of players that we've had at Reading, and we continue to watch him get better and better as he gets more experience.

“So, I definitely want him to stay.”

Charlie Savage may benefit most from staying at Reading FC

A move to the Championship will be naturally tempting for Savage, as it would present clear career progression.

At 22 years of age, the midfielder has proven himself capable at the sharp end of League One and therefore may feel ready for a new challenge.

However, a move to any one of the aforementioned second-tier outfits may reduce Savage’s playing time, which isn’t what he needs at this point in his development.

Therefore, remaining at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for at least another year may be the youngster’s best bet.

He would be able to grow even further in a comfortable environment and then go straight into a Championship club’s starting 11 in 2026.