Timeline emerges for Robert Platek takeover of Reading FC | OneFootball

A period of exclusivity has been opened with a potential buyer for the fifth time

There is confidence that a takeover of Reading FC can be completed in April, according to latest reports surrounding the saga.

As per a report from Reading Today, all parties are optimistic that a deal can be finalised after another period of exclusivity was entered with a potential buyer earlier this week.

The Royals have reached this stage of a takeover before on four occasions, but have so far been unable to come to terms that will release controversial Chinese businessman Dai Yongge’s stake in the club.

The League One side have struggled with financial difficulties in recent seasons, which has even led to suffering multiple points deductions, as well as relegation from the Championship in 2023, but they currently sit just three points outside of the play-off spots in the third tier of English football.

Supporters will be wary about feeling too optimistic about the ownership situation until a deal is completed due to these past false dawns.

However, it is understood that all involved in the current talks are hopeful that an arrangement can be found.

It has been reported by The Reading Chronicle that businessman Robert Platek is involved in the talks to buy the Berkshire outfit.

Platek is the co-head of global credit at BDT & MSD Partners, and is closely linked to fellow American businessman Michael Dell, who has previously agreed financial loans with clubs such as Sunderland and West Brom.

It’s been claimed that the EFL have already given their approval for the proposed takeover to reach it's final stages in advance of it being fully ratified, which paves the way for the deal to go through once negotiations are concluded.

Now, it is believed that a deal can be completed by April, meaning a takeover would be done in time for the summer transfer window.

This would be a huge boost to the club regardless of their league status for next year, with Noel Hunt’s side chasing a play-off place at this current moment in time.

Robert Platek’s football experience stretches across multiple European countries

Platek has previously owned Italian side Spezia, albeit he recently sold his stake in the club.

The American is still an investor in Portuguese top flight outfit Casa Pia, as well as Danish team Sonderjyske, and was linked with a takeover of Sunderland back in 2019.

The purchase of Reading would be his first foray into English football ownership, but he has also dealt with the likes of Burnley, Southampton and Derby County in the past.

His investment company MSD Holdings Ltd has provided loans to multiple English sides in the past, but it’s believed this takeover would be a personal investment separate to the company.

Reading supporters are eager to see the back of Yongge at this point given the erosion of the club’s stature during his tenure as owner.

However, this is the fifth takeover deal to get to this stage and fans will not be counting any chickens before they hatch.

If this deal gets over the line, then it will be a great step forward and should secure Reading’s long-term future.

But there have simply been too many false dawns so far for anyone to get too carried away with this situation just yet - it was only September when Rob Couhig's move to buy the Berkshire outfit collapsed, and there will still be fears that it could happen once more.