Nicky Cadden in: Reading FC's dream XI for next season ft 2 realistic signings | OneFootball

Reading will be limited in the players they can bring in this summer due to a transfer embargo.

And until a sale goes through, it doesn't look as though the Royals will be recruiting anyone, which isn't ideal after seeing players released and their former loanees head back to their parent clubs.

There certainly doesn't seem to be a shortage of interest in the Berkshire outfit though - and that will give their fans some hope that a sale will materialise in the coming weeks or months.

At the moment though, they don't look prepared for the new season.

Looking at a more positive scenario, here is a dream starting lineup that the Royals would surely be proud to field on the opening day of the 2024/25 campaign.

GK: Joel Pereira

Pereira has made a couple of mistakes since starting ahead of David Button, with his error against Blackpool a potential cause for concern.

However, he was reasonably impressive after taking over as the club's first-choice goalkeeper and the Royals will be glad that he will be staying at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for another year.

LB: Greg Cunningham

Cunningham will be released when his contract expires at Preston North End at the end of this month - and he could be an excellent option to have on the left-hand side.

He may be in the latter stages of his career, but Ian Harte was as well when the Royals signed him, so the Lilywhites' man could be an affordable, short-term addition.

The left-back area needs to be addressed and with Jeriel Dorsett better suited to a centre-back role, Cunningham could be a much-needed signing.

It's a shame that Clinton Mola has left, because he could have been a regular starter next term.

CB: Tyler Bindon

New Zealand international Bindon has grown into his role at centre-back and become a major asset.

Not only can he be strong in the air, but he is also good with the ball at his feet and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him impress again next term if he stays in Berkshire.

CB: Amadou Mbengue

Bindon and Mbengue formed an impressive partnership during the final months of the 2023/24 campaign and the latter could be a very good option to have in the centre again next season.

He can make rash decisions at times, but he's definitely a decent asset to have in League One and the 22-year-old will only improve, considering he's still young.

RB: Andy Yiadom

At some point, there will come a time when Kelvin Abrefa will be a better option than Yiadom, if the former puts pen to paper on a new contract.

But for now, captain Yiadom should still be heavily involved for the Royals, as a player who can be a solid defender and a threat going forward.

His assist at Carlisle United back in March was exceptional - and he will be hoping to replicate that during the 2024/25 season and potentially beyond.

CDM: Lewis Wing

Registering 11 goals and 11 assists from midfield last season in all competitions, Wing was arguably the Royals' most important player last season.

Coming in on a free transfer, he was arguably one of the best signings in the EFL last summer and it will be interesting to see if he stays beyond the end of the summer transfer window or not.

If he doesn't, the Berkshire side could be in trouble. That's how important he is.

CM: Harvey Knibbs

Knibbs previously thrived in a 4-2-3-1 system, but he can also be good in a 4-1-4-1, and he could be a key player once again next season.

He's likely to be a wanted man this summer, but in the Royals' current situation with no change of ownership happening yet, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him stay put for now.

His energy in the final third is priceless and along with the likes of Wing, Femi Azeez and Sam Smith, he could be a very important player in the coming months.

CM: Ben Elliott

Elliott wasn't a regular starter throughout last season, but he became more heavily involved during the latter stages of 2023/24.

It was unclear whether he would be physically strong enough to be an asset in the middle of the park, but he did a good job and with the ex-Chelsea man able to unlock defences, he could be a regular starter alongside Knibbs next term.

LW: Nicky Cadden

Cadden is set to be released by Barnsley when his contract ends - and it wouldn't be a shock to see the Royals pursue him if a takeover goes through.

Although he's regularly played as a wing-back in the past, he has been an excellent attacking player in the past and could register plenty of goals and assists if he's played in a more advanced role next season.

The Royals could offer him regular starts on the left wing - and a move to the SCL Stadium could be appealing for him.

RW: Femi Azeez

Azeez didn't enjoy the best start to last season, but he is one of the best wingers in the third tier when he's on top form and that's why the Royals should look to keep him.

Not only is he quick, but he also gets himself in the right positions and can score from outside of the box. This is a brilliant weapon for the Berkshire outfit to have.

ST: Sam Smith

Smith spent the early stages of the 2023/24 campaign out injured, but he was still able to make a big impression at the SCL Stadium after that.

At the moment, he's probably the club's only adequate striker option, with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan potentially more suited to a wing role after finding his feet there in recent months.