Reading FC must resist Femi Azeez transfer avalanche as Stoke City make move: View | OneFootball

Reading must take a strict stance when it comes to Femi Azeez as they can't afford to lose him.

Reading fans will have been delighted just to stay in League One last season as they avoided the drop despite a poor first half of the campaign, which was reflective of the behind the scenes chaos that was ensuing under Dai Yongge.

The promising flashes the Royals have shown in 2024 however were reinforced on the opening day of the current League One season, when they secured a 1-1 draw against title favourites Birmingham City.

One man who was missing for the first game was Femi Azeez, who couldn't play due to an apparent back injury.

A larger concern, though, will be the impending interest surrounding him, with several Championship clubs keeping a keen eye on the winger.

Stoke City are reported to have recently submitted a bid, which has since been rejected. In early July however, a report from the Reading Chronicle claimed that Millwall had also been rebuffed by Ruben Selles' side, with Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle being another keen party, as per Darren Witcoop.

This will be a real worry for Royals fans, who will be desperate for the 23-year-old to stay. However, Azeez's current contract is set to expire in just under 12 months' time, and Reading will be keen to avoid the prospect of losing his services without any compensation.

Time will tell as to whether Azeez stays or goes, but given Reading's current circumstances, they can't afford to lose any of their heavy hitters on the cheap.

Femi Azeez needs to remain at Reading FC if they are to attain their League One goals

Last season was a true breakout year for Azeez, who had previously made just 31 appearances for the Royals.

Across 51 games in all competitions in 2023-24, the left-footed attacker managed to find the back of the net nine times, and he matched that with the same number of assists.

But, looking past that, his 51 successful dribbles, 71 chances created, and 188 touches in the opposition box paint a picture of a player who can return these sorts of numbers on a consistent basis - especially in a potentially even more creative side.

For this reason, it is not feasible to allow him to leave for a cut-price fee with a year left on his contract.

If he wants to run that down, it is fine, but for the Royals, they would be the beneficiary of a season of superb performances from the youngster.

In addition, with that impressive display against Birmingham still fresh in everyone's mind, it's entirely possible that Reading could have a successful season as well under an up and coming coach in the form of Ruben Selles..

If this is the case, then you can imagine numerous key players will be on song and Azeez is firmly within that crop of stars.

Another factor that must be considered is that the potential new owner, Rob Couhig, is still not in full control of the club.

Although it is reported that the ex-Wycombe Wanderers chief is close to a purchase, and an announcment is expected next week, as per the Reading Chronicle, until the deal is over the line, Reading cannot utilise the transfer market.

And even though Couhig is set to assume control next week, the Royals do not have much time to fully strengthen their hand in the transfer window, so keeping their current first-team options at the club in general would be the way to go, and perhaps re-assess the situation in January.

Despite having a strong academy, replacing Azeez's 18 goal contributions from last term would prove an incredibly difficult task with just over a week to go in the transfer window, as of next week.

In a similar vein to players like Lewis Wing and Harvey Knibbs, Azeez will have a lot of pressure placed on him to deliver, with their lack of signings. But, given his prowess from last year, there is no reason to believe he can't be a star for Selles again.