Jewison Bennette signs: Reading FC's best and worst case transfer scenarios in January | OneFootball

The club's takeover situation could have an impact on their January window, with the Royals needing to recruit but also vulnerable to losing players.

League One side Reading have done fairly well this season, considering the off-field noise they have had to deal with.

The club may have entered a period of exclusivity with another potential buyer since Rob Couhig's deal fell through, but there are no guarantees that a sale will happen anytime soon at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

If the owner saga has taught Royals fans anything, it's not to celebrate too early.

It looked inevitable that Couhig would become the Berkshire side's new owner, but that deal fell through in the end.

What will happen during the January transfer window is likely to depend on what happens with the takeover situation.

Below, we take a look at some ideal scenarios that could unfold during the winter window, and some disastrous outcomes that could affect the Royals.

The Berkshire side have seen Andre Garcia step up to the plate this season.

He's only 16 at this stage, but has started regularly at left-back due to injuries to Andy Yiadom, Jeriel Dorsett and Kelvin Abrefa.

Garcia has looked slightly vulnerable defensively at times, but considering he's only 16 and is regularly playing in the third tier, he should be extremely proud of himself.

The fact he's already performing at a senior level is promising - and you feel he has a very high ceiling.

His appearances may have alerted other clubs though - and the Royals may face a difficult task in their quest to keep him beyond the end of the January window.

If they can retain him and tie him down to a professional deal when he turns 17, that would be ideal for them.

Coventry City striker Fabio Tavares (pictured above) was linked with a move to the SCL Stadium during the summer.

Sam Smith may be in excellent form at this stage and Jayden Wareham is likely to be full of confidence following his goal against Exeter City, but more depth in the striker area would be useful.

Tavares wouldn't be short of motivation to do well either, if he made a loan move to Berkshire.

Sunderland's Jewison Bennette is another player who was linked with a move to Berkshire - and he could be a good loan addition too.

Adrian Akande has stepped up well, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan is establishing himself as a key wide threat and Mamadi Camara has returned to fitness, but another addition in the wing area would be ideal, especially if Chem Campbell doesn't raise his game before his loan ends in January.

Bennette is a talented wide player who will be keen to prove his worth - and he could do that under Ruben Selles.

Worst case scenario: Reading FC sell Tyler Bindon to raise cash

Tyler Bindon, who is still only 19 at this stage, has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Royals during the 2024/25 campaign.

He was also a regular starter last season - and did an exceptional job to keep the Berkshire side afloat in their current division.

It's no surprise that the New Zealand international previously attracted interest from Arsenal - and more interest in him could emerge in the coming weeks and months - considering how well he's performing.

Having sold Nelson Abbey, Tom Holmes and Tom McIntyre during the previous January window, the Royals are short of senior centre-back options and need to retain their centre-backs beyond the end of the next window.

Worst case scenario: Sam Smith is poached by another club

Striker Smith spent the early stages of last season out injured.

However, he managed to score 16 competitive goals during the 2023/24 campaign and will continue to score regularly this term.

Getting himself in the right positions at the right time, it's no surprise that he's scored so many goals, and his work off the ball is also valuable.