Reading FC set to complete transfer raid for League One captain | OneFootball

Reading are set to complete a transfer raid from a League One rival for their captain, with a medical underway...

Reading are eyeing more transfer deals this summer, having already brought in Kyreece Lisbie from League Two side Colchester United, with the Royals now eyeing a League One swoop instead.

It's been a frustrating few seasons for Reading since relegation in 2022/23, given they have failed to achieve a play-off place in any of those campaigns. Reading have finished 17th, seventh, and 12th in those three campaigns.

Leam Richardson has won promotion from this league before, with the 46-year-old achieving that with Wigan Athletic back in 2021/22. They have made the squad younger already after the capture of Kyreece Lisbie and having seen Derrick Williams and Matt Ritchie retire.

Andy Yiadom's release also leaves them less experienced and younger, with the versatile defender captain of the club for four years prior to his release this summer. It leaves space for a right-sided central defender who can operate as a right-back, but also for more leadership in the team.

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In terms of replacements, Udoka Godwin-Malife has quietly established himself as a dependable EFL performer since making the step up from non-league with Oxford City. After impressing in the National League South, he earned a move to Forest Green Rovers, where his athleticism at full-back quickly caught the eye.

He then enjoyed a spell at Swindon Town, continuing to develop into one of League Two's more consistent right-sided defenders before securing a move to Burton Albion in League One. On paper, one of Godwin-Malife's biggest strengths is his versatility.

Comfortable at right-back, right wing-back and also as a central defender in a back three more recently, he offers real tactical flexibility that many managers value. At 26, he also has plenty of experience without being past his peak years.

It appears as though Reading agree, with the now Burton captain linked with a move to Reading via journalist Pete O'Rourke. The player is in the final year of his contract with Albion and O'Rourke states that the Royals are set to sign him.

With Reading looking to replace the departing Yiadom, Godwin-Malife appears a logical long-term successor, given that he possesses a similar energetic profile, leadership, and the ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch due to his speed.

O'Rrourke adds that the defender is already undergoing a medical ahead of his move from the Pirelli Stadium this summer.

Reading have had an exciting start to the summer transfer window

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Inarguably, the additions of Godwin-Malife and Lisbie are eye-catching and represent exactly the type of recruitment Reading need this summer. Godwin-Malife will bring proven EFL experience for his age, as well as the required versatility and reliability.

Lisbie is also in the right age range, with his youthful exuberance and potential likely to make Reading much better and more dynamic out wide. He also has significant resale value after an impressive breakthrough with Colchester. Together, they strengthen the squad both for the present and the future.

Reading will need a major recruitment drive if they are to challenge for promotion from what promises to be a fiercely competitive League One. With the likes of Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, and Bradford City all harbouring ambitions of going up, every signing matters.

Luton Town, Stockport County, and Plymouth Argyle will all be thereabouts as well, which is why a strong start with Godwin-Malife and Lisbie should prove to be important. They are two excellent foundations on which to build a squad capable of competing near the top of the division, as they absolutely should be in 2027.