Transfer barrier emerges in 31-year-old’s potential Reading FC exit | OneFootball

Reading goalkeeper Rafael Cabral will only be able to secure a move to Brazilian side Cruzeiro this month if he terminates his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium first, according to Radio Itatiaia.

The 31-year-old started the 2021/22 campaign as the Royals’ first-choice shot-stopper – but after picking up an injury following his side’s 3-3 draw against Queens Park Rangers in September – he was forced to make way for Luke Southwood.

With Southwood impressing in the Brazilian’s absence, the former has kept his place in goal ever since, with the latter’s only appearance since that game against Mark Warburton’s side coming last weekend in their shock 2-1 defeat to sixth-tier outfit Kidderminster Harriers.

Quiz: Can you name which club Reading FC signed these 28 defenders from?

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Liam Moore

Bristol City Brighton and Hove Albion Barnsley Leicester City

With his lack of playing time and the need to cut costs following their points deduction for breaching the EFL’s financial rules, Ge Globo reported last month that he was in negotiations with the Championship side to terminate his contract early with just a matter of months remaining on his current deal in Berkshire.

Interest in his signature from Brazilian second-tier outfit Cruzeiro’s reported interest first emerged earlier this week from Radio Itatiaia, with the Serie B outfit thought to be interested in getting a deal over the line.

But in their latest report, they have revealed that an agreement for his services can only be finalised if the goalkeeping terminates his deal before jetting back to his home nation, though it currently remains unclear whether the Berkshire side can afford to pay off his contract without breaching further restrictions.

However, the recent recall of Jokull Andresson and James Holden from their respective temporary spells at Morecambe and Maidenhead United may be an indication that his departure is on the way.

The Verdict:

Although this is probably the best move for all parties, with the shot-stopper not the same keeper he was during the 2019/20 season and likely to be on a sizeable wage package, it would make sense to bring in an experienced keeper to support the likes of Southwood and Andresson.

Both may be talented young players from the club’s academy, but the former has made a couple of mistakes recently and this is where an experienced head could be useful to support the duo.

Someone like Frank Fielding could be a decent option in that case, although manager Veljko Paunovic will probably be wanting to target other areas first with the goalkeeping department not his most pressing issue at this stage.

Andy Carroll’s links with Burnley are a real source of concern for the Royals considering how integral he’s been for them in recent games, so a striker will be at the top of their wishlist if the England international does go.

And full-backs will also be needed with Felipe Araruna injured again and both Baba Rahman and Andy Yiadom at the African Cup of Nations at this moment in time.