Reading FC must hijack Oxford United in transfer bidding war | OneFootball

Reading are rivalling Oxford United and Peterborough United to the potential signing of Kyreece Lisbie, who is currently with Colchester United.

Reading will be looking to win promotion back into the Championship next season, after what was a frustrating conclusion to their 2025/26 campaign.

The Royals finished 12th in the League One table, which was hugely disappointing finish to the season under Leam Richardson's management.

Reading were previously in and around the play-off places, but a dismal run of form in the final few months of the campaign saw them fade away at an alarming rate.

They're set for their fourth successive season in the third-tier of English football, and the days of playing in the Premier League will feel considerably far away.

The Berkshire-based side last played in the top-flight back in the 2012/13 season, and their well-publicised off-field problems under previous owner, Dai Yongge caused the club to drop down from the Championship in the 2022/23 campaign.

It's set to be a summer of change at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with plenty of players departing at the end of their contracts with the club, whilst it wouldn't be too surprising to see Reading cashing in on some players, as Richardson looks to rebuild ahead of the 2026/27 season.

There have been plenty of frustrations voiced towards Reading's owners, who seem keen to put their trust in Richardson, who has come under fire in the last few months.

Royals hit with irritating transfer update in Kyreece Lisbie pursuit

Reading have a well-documented interest in signing Colchester United winger, Kyreece Lisbie, who has seemingly made a good impression with scouts in Berkshire.

Lisbie has been with Colchester since February 2025, and has been a regular for the League Two club. He's contracted with them until the summer of 2027, although it seems as though it'll be a tough ask for Colchester to keep hold of him heading into the 2026/27 season.

The Reading Chronicle have reported that Peterborough United and Oxford United have joined Reading in the race to sign Lisbie, with Posh reportedly leading that pursuit.

Peterborough already have Kyreece Lisbie's twin brother, Kyrell Lisbie on their books, and so you would imagine that a move to link up with him could be a tempting proposition for the Colchester man.

Reading must push ahead and hijack move for Lisbie

Leam Richardson will have a list of targets this summer, and although they're keeping the majority of those potential incomings under wraps, the club's interest in Lisbie has been clear since the January transfer window.

The Royals almost finalised a deal to sign the winger late in the New Year, but for one reason or another, the move failed to materialise, much to the frustration of Reading's supporters.

Reading could certainly benefit from having a player of Lisbie's quality within their ranks, as he'd offer them pace and trickery going forwards, which is something they don't have much of.

Paddy Lane has struggled to replicate the form he had shown with Portsmouth when they were playing in League One, and with Mamadi Camara departing the club this summer, Reading definitely need some signings in wide areas.

A deal for Lisbie seemingly won't be easy to complete though, especially with Oxford United and Peterborough United both keen on landing his signature this summer.

If Lisbie was to head to Oxford United, then it would be an even more frustrating blow for Reading's supporters, as their local rivals would be getting a player that could take them to the next level if he hits the ground running.

It's should be a no-brainer for Reading to look at hijacking a potential deal for Lisbie, especially when they need wingers in their team this season, and considering how close they were to signing the 22-year-old during the 2025/26 season, you would imagine that negotiations could be something that could be completed relatively quickly.