Reading FC: Significant Rob Couhig takeover update emerges hours before Barnsley clash | OneFootball

The American businessman is set to be at the Select Car Leasing Stadium against the Tykes, in what is a clear indication of a nearing takeover

Rob Couhig is set to attend Reading's final day of the League One season clash with Barnsley, in what is the clearest sign yet that a takeover of the club is closing in.

The Royals have been in turmoil for years now, with so many false dawns when it comes to parties and consortiums buying the club from Dai Yongge.

However, the light at the end of the tunnel may now be shining even brighter than ever, with Couhig now seemingly set to save the Berkshire outfit from the endless issues that Yongge has placed upon them.

Rob Couhig update drops as Reading FC takeover seemingly nears

According to Reading Chronicle journalist James Earnshaw, prospective Reading buyer Couhig will be at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the crunch clash with Barnsley, in which they need to better Leyton Orient's result at Huddersfield to sneak into the play-off places.

And as pointed out by Earnshaw, he had been informed that Couhig would not fly from the United States into England unless a deal was "signed and done", which is now a huge sign that Yongge and the 75-year-old have finally thrashed out terms and put pen to paper on a transaction - Couhig's wife Missy has also posted him and business partner Todd Trosclair at an airport, with the latter wearing a Royals cap.

Couhig of course was close to buying the club at the start of the 2024-25 season, but in September a deal fell through, which led to months of potential legal action with the American trying to reclaim potential losses from Yongge and co.

Reading claimed on April 22 that they agreed terms with a buyer who could not be named due to legal reasons, with an extension given until May 5 to complete a deal, but many assumed that it was Couhig swooping in to finally get his hands on the club - they appear to have been proven right.

With Reading needing some form of result against Barnsley this afternoon, Couhig being in attendance could have a real positive impact on Noel Hunt's side.

They have been hamstrung by Yongge for a long time now, and players will no doubt have had many fears over the months over their wages potentially not being paid on time - that should not be a worry anymore with Couhig set to arrive.

It could be the shot in the arm that Hunt's players need ahead of the visit of the Tykes - they know the importance of such a game anyway, but if they know a takeover is either definitely done or very close, then the whole mood of the stadium will be lifted.