New Reading FC takeover update hands supporters real hope | OneFootball

Reading FC ownership situation may finally be heading towards the endgame supporters crave

In a period of many false dawns at Reading, any hint of optimism will be met with some scepticism.

However, recent developments behind the scenes should give supporters plenty of reasons to feel there may now finally be light at the end of the tunnel.

It was confirmed earlier this week by the League One side that a period of exclusivity has been entered with a prospective buyer.

This is the fifth time talks over a takeover have reached this stage, hence why some will feel the need to be tentative over the future of the club.

But this is as promising a step forward as the Berkshire outfit have made in the last two years, with fans hoping for a swift end to their financial issues under a new owner.

Reading ownership developments show promise

It emerged later in the week that businessman Robert Platek is involved in the deal to purchase Dai Yongge’s stake in the club.

The investor has links with technology company Dell, but also has plenty of experience in football as well.

He used to own Italian side Spezia, and currently holds stakes in both Casa Pia and Sonderjyske, who are based in Portugal and Denmark respectively.

Platek’s investment company MSD Holdings has also borrowed money to the likes of Southampton, Derby County and Burnley, meaning he should have an intimate knowledge of the finances needed to maintain a healthy football club.

It has also been reported by Reading Today that this prospective takeover could be concluded as early as April.

This would be great news for the Royals, with the club’s long-term future currently uncertain unless Yongge sells his shares in the third division team.

It has also been claimed that the Platek-led bid is looking to also have full control of the stadium and the training ground, as well as Reading FC itself.

April takeover would be a game-changer at Reading

Reading are clearly a club with a lot of potential, as evidenced by five separate entities all looking to take over the Royals in the last couple of years despite their massive financial turmoil.

This is a team that has competed in the Premier League in the past, even as recently as 2013, and were a regular in the Championship before their relegation in 2023.

Even with these issues behind the scenes, the side has been competitive this year with an extremely limited budget and is in the mix for a play-off place.

While new owners won’t be able to have an impact on this season’s attempts to get back to the Championship, a takeover being done by April will give them time to get ready for a busy summer transfer period.

If the deal involving Platek goes through then it won’t be a sudden and almost overnight turning back on of the tap when it comes to spending power in the market.

But it will bring greater long-term stability, and should allow for some incomings this summer to bolster Noel Hunt’s squad.