"Championship level" - Reading FC handed clear player transfer warning amid contract situation | OneFootball

FLW's Reading fan pundit believes the club may struggle to keep Joel Pereira this summer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

After cruelly missing out on the League One play-offs by just three points, Reading must now turn their attention to the summer transfer window.

It was recently confirmed that the club have been removed from the EFL's transfer embargo list following the publishing of their 2023/24 accounts.

Coupled with the heavily anticipated agreement over the sale of the club between Dai Yongge and Redwood Holdings Limited, there's been a positive buzz around the Select Car Leasing Stadium that this terrible era in the club's history is finally coming to an end.

Despite now being able to make player purchases again, the Royals first have to focus on retaining one of their prize assets.

Shot-stopper Joel Pereira has been a sensation for Reading since joining in September 2023, and reportedly attracted Championship attention in January, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Royals managed to hold on to their No.22 in that window but may not be so lucky this summer. He is currently set to be out of contract this summer, and the situation continues to worry the Reading faithful.

“Championship level” – Reading handed worrying verdict over Joel Pereira’s future

FLW’s Reading fan pundit Johnny admitted he is worried about interest in the ‘keeper but understands why Pereira may leave.

“Joel Pereira has been superb for Reading this season,” explained Johnny.

“The reason why we've done so well is because the mistakes he makes are very rare, and some of the saves he pulls off are absolutely unreal to keep us in games and win us matches.

“He'll be very much sought after, probably at a Championship level.

“You'd hope he sees the project, he sees the opportunities at Reading to really build something special and obviously be first choice. He's a nice guy as well and fits into what Reading are trying to do.

“But because of the contract situation that's been allowed to happen, because of Dai Yongge's bad ownership, he is free to walk away and join other clubs and that's the nature of it.

“Hopefully, he sees the project at Reading as one that he'd like to be part of long-term because he's a superb keeper and a top bloke.”

Reading face an uphill battle to keep hold of Joel Pereira

Although positivity has finally begun to beam out of Reading after the club has spent so long shrouded in darkness, this may be a slight negative blow the Royals may suffer this window.

Clubs across the EFL are always keen to improve their quality in between the sticks, with the position being one that can ultimately become season-defining.

If interest reappears and presents itself again, a healthy contract offer may outweigh anything the Royals can offer to Pereira.

On a personal note, the 28-year-old is likely to want and try and capitalise on any potential moves that could present some progression at a crucial point in his career.

This summer should be the Royals' most exciting for a number of years, finally allowed to operate like any other club, but they may face some helplessness in their bid to keep Pereira for another year at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.