Rob Couhig must sanction Reading FC transfer move for 22-year-old | OneFootball

Reading had previously been interested in a deal for an explosive winger, and the Royals should look to reignite their interest this summer.

Reading are set for an interesting summer transfer window, with the Royals potentially preparing for life back in the Championship, although they'll need to show improvement between now and the end of the season.

The Berkshire-based side are in contention to challenge for a top six finish in League One this season, but they simply need to gain more of a foothold in their matches under the watchful eye of Leam Richardson.

The style of football has been frustrating to watch for sections of the Reading fanbase, and when results don't go their way, Richardson has come in for criticism.

But for now, whilst they're still in the mix to challenge the likes of Huddersfield Town and Stockport County for a spot in this year's League One play-offs.

Reading owner Rob Couhig has trusted Richardson during the January transfer window, with the likes of Benn Ward and Haydon Roberts being some of the players to arrive at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Ward in particular has caught the eye for all the right reasons, and Richardson will be hoping that he can continue to add to his squad during the summer transfer window.

Reading FC should reignite interest in EFL winger

One player that the Royals failed in their pursuit of during the January transfer window was Colchester United winger, Kyreece Lisbie.

It was reported by the Reading Chronicle that Reading had a bid accepted for Lisbie on Deadline Day. However, a move to the Royals fell through late on, with an investment group including former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato blocking the deal.

Lisbie seemingly wasn't best pleased, as he posted a cryptic message on his Instagram account shortly after the move fell through, which put his long-term future with Colchester up in the air.

Reading should certainly look to reignite their interest in Lisbie, especially when he was evidently unhappy at the move to the Select Car Leasing Stadium falling through on Deadline Day.

The winger has provided plenty of goals and assists for his Colchester teammates in the 2025/26 season, and Colchester boss Danny Cowley will be hoping that Lisbie can recapture his form, as they look to fire themselves into the play-off picture in the third-tier.

Reading won't have it all their way in the race for Lisbie

It won't be the easiest of deals to complete for Reading this summer, especially now that Peterborough United have reportedly registered their eagerness to sign Lisbie, according to SportsBoom.

Lisbie has just over one year remaining on his current deal with Colchester United, and the League Two club are likely to be resigned to losing him this summer for a cut-price fee instead of losing him for free when his contract expires.

Reading need a player of Lisbie's quality, especially when he offers such pace and trickery going forward. The Berkshire-based outfit don't have that much pace in their side, and so he's exactly what they need.

The likes of Paddy Lane and Randell Williams have been relatively strong additions to the Reading squad, but they don't have the trickery on the ball that Lisbie has in his locker.

FotMob tells us that when it comes to goals, getting accurate shots on goal and performing in-line with xG, there aren't many better players in League One than the Colchester man. He is raw in other areas of possession, but his goal threat and ability to 'be in the game' cannot be doubted.

It should be a no-brainer for Couhig to give Richardson the go-ahead to reignite their interest in the winger, and they'll be well-aware that they simply have to act swiftly, otherwise other potential suitors will beat them to Lisbie's signature.

Regardless of which division Reading are playing their football in next season, they should still push ahead with this deal. Lisbie is a player that is more than capable of making the step-up to both League One and the Championship in future seasons, so there shouldn't be any doubts over his exciting potential.