Rob Couhig drops Reading FC transfer update | OneFootball

Rob Couhig has opened up on Reading's transfer plans after he completed a takeover of the club.

New Reading owner Rob Couhig has revealed the club will predominantly target free agents, as he insists they will be an attractive option to potential signings.

To the relief of all connected to the Royals, it was announced this week that Couhig had completed a deal to buy the League One side, along with the training ground and the stadium.

That ended Dai Yongge’s miserable reign, which saw the club hit with points deductions, and there were genuine fears Reading would be thrown out of the EFL earlier this year.

Rob Couhig discusses Reading FC transfer plans

So, there is excitement and optimism about what the future could bring, and it’s worth noting that, despite all the adversity, Reading only missed out on the play-offs on the final day under Noel Hunt, which suggests there is talent in the group.

Nevertheless, it’s clear that further reinforcements will be required if the club are to progress, but Couhig explained to the BBC that they will be sensible in how they go about improving Hunt’s squad.

“We know what we want to spend, we know how we want to spend it. We know those players we’d love to have come back, and those players that would be better off elsewhere. The good news, I think, and I have to be careful that I’m not over-glamourising our situation, is that a lot of people are going to come on frees who want to play for Reading, particularly in this new, exciting era.

“We will be able to pay for them, and if there’s the odd person we want to have to buy from someone, we will. We’re going to be strictly, financially sound, but we won’t be penny-wise and pound foolish.”

Reading fans must show patience as the club looks to kick-on

The goal for all connected to Reading for the past few years has been to get Yongge out of the club, as he had nearly destroyed the Berkshire outfit. So, they will still be delighted that the takeover has finally gone through.

Obviously, moving forward, it’s about trying to get back to the Championship, at least, and there’s no reason why promotion can’t be the aim next season.

But, it’s also important to recognise that patience is needed with the new regime, but it is a real positive that Couhig has football experience given his history at Wycombe.

From his comments here, it appears the Royals will adopt a sensible, cautious strategy, and Couhig knows it’s not just about throwing money at it and hoping for the best.

Instead, they will build on the good work that Hunt has put in place, and bring in players who want to be part of the project - which will be an exciting one given the mood around Reading going into next season.