What is going on with Harvey Knibbs' move from Reading FC to Charlton Athletic - Noel Hunt has spoken | OneFootball

The Addicks have been strongly linked with a move for the 26-year-old.

Charlton Athletic have been handed a significant blow in their pursuit of Reading midfielder Harvey Knibbs.

Richard Cawley reported that the Addicks were working on a deal to sign the 26-year-old earlier this week, with Nathan Jones looking to strengthen his squad further ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.

It was then understood that Charlton had agreed a fee with Reading for Knibbs, with the deal set to be finalised towards the back end of this week, as per Pete O'Rourke.

However, Reading boss Noel Hunt has spoken in an interview with the club's media team ahead of his side's opening day clash with Lincoln City on Saturday and confirmed that Knibbs will now be staying with the Royals.

Noel Hunt speaks on Harvey Knibbs, Charlton Athletic situation

Reading boss Noel Hunt discussed Charlton's failed move for Knibbs in an interview that was uploaded to the club's official YouTube channel.

"Yeah, listen, whatever happened, I am not too sure," Hunt said.

"I'll speak to Harvey about that this morning. Obviously, there was something that wasn't quite right, whether from Harvey's side or whatever, I don't know.

"I'll obviously make sure number one, he is still our player, and make sure that he is OK, because obviously moves to bigger clubs is really important for players in their progression and whatnot, and these things happen all the time.

"It is a tough one for him, but we are just hoping that he is OK mentally first and foremost, and physically he is fine, so it's about making sure that he's OK, because he is still obviously one of ours.

"We will have a conversation this morning to see how he feels and if he is ready to go, he is ready to go."

Richard Cawley has confirmed that Dane Murphy's departure yesterday had nothing to do with the Addicks' failure to agree a deal to sign Knibbs, as he had in fact not passed the EFL Owners' and Directors' test prior to the confirmation that he would no longer be taking on the CEO role.

Therefore, it remains to be seen exactly what caused Charlton's move for Knibbs to break down, as it previously seemed as though he was all set for a move to The Valley.

Knibbs update is a blow for Charlton

Charlton boss Nathan Jones will no doubt be frustrated that he has been unable to land a player that looked set to make a move to SE7, especially considering that Knibbs could have brought goals from midfield if he adapted quickly to life in the Championship.

The 26-year-old scored 16 goals in all competitions for Reading during each of the last two seasons, and if he had got anywhere near that in the Championship for Charlton, it would have given the Addicks a real boost in their bid for survival.

Luke Berry and Sonny Carey will be Jones' two main options in that attacking midfield role, and while they both have an eye for goal and experience in the second tier, the Welshman may well identify an alternative target before the end of the summer transfer window.