Reading FC: Any Lewis Wing and Sam Smith transfer advances must be snubbed | OneFootball

The Royals have many players they can't afford to lose this summer - and we have selected just two first-teamers who fit into that category.

League One side Reading may not have been in a secure position in recent months with takeover talks dragging on.

However, they were able to get some excellent deals over the line last summer and this was much-needed, with numerous signings needed last summer to rebuild the squad.

Many of their signings last summer played a major role in keeping them in the third tier last summer, something that could be viewed as a big achievement considering the off-field issues that the Royals were and still are facing with a sale yet to materialise.

It seems unlikely that the Berkshire side will make any signings until a takeover happens and with this in mind, keeping key first-teamers will be crucial for them if they are to retain their third-tier status beyond the end of next term.

Keeping these players will be easier said than done, with clubs likely to be keeping an eye on the Royals' situation, but it could be crucial.

We take a look at two players that the club simply cannot afford to lose this summer.

Lewis Wing

Wing was a major asset during the 2023/24 campaign, with his ability to score screamers and convert set-pieces making him an extremely valuable player for the Royals.

His passing was also excellent and it could definitely be argued that he is the club's most valuable player at the moment.

As one of the most gifted players in the third tier, the Royals can count themselves very lucky to have the midfielder, who still has two years left on his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

With this in mind, the club may not be under much pressure to sell Wing unless they are in desperate need of cash, with a takeover yet to happen.

If he does go, Michael Craig or Jack Senga could potentially sit as the deepest midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 system, with Harvey Knibbs and Ben Elliott in more advanced roles.

But losing Wing would have a noticeable impact. The former Wycombe Wanderers man can change a game with one kick of the ball and his goals and assists have been crucial for the Berkshire side, who could be destined to face a relegation battle without him at their disposal.

Sam Smith

Smith returned to the SCL Stadium following the expiration of his contract at Cambridge United, but spent the early stages of the 2023/24 season out injured.

He made a major impact when he returned though, with his return giving Selles the option to play one up front.

A formation change proved to be crucial for the Royals last term and looking at the club's existing striker options, Smith is someone who must be retained.

Jayden Wareham is a promising young striker and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan shone at times last term.

However, the former may need a spell out on loan before he returns to be a crucial first-team player for the Royals and the latter was used as a winger during the final few months of last term.