Reading FC are yet to make a final call on Ben Elliott, with manager Leam Richardson confirming the player will be given the chance to prove his fitness before any contract decision is made.
Elliott’s time at the club has been defined as much by promise as frustration. The midfielder impressed during the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, contributing two goals and five assists across 24 appearances before a thigh injury in December brought his season to an abrupt halt.
Initially expected to be a minor setback, the issue developed into something more serious, requiring surgery and a prolonged recovery period. His absence came at a crucial stage of the campaign, with Reading pushing for a top-six finish before ultimately missing out on the play-offs on the final day.
There were hopes this season would mark a fresh start. Elliott returned during pre-season and featured under Noel Hunt, making 13 appearances in all competitions and six league starts. However, those hopes were again cut short when he suffered another thigh injury in October, forcing him off during a match against Doncaster Rovers and ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Club Taking Cautious Approach
With his contract approaching its end, uncertainty surrounds whether the club will retain the midfielder. Richardson has indicated that no decision will be rushed, with Elliott’s recovery the immediate priority.
“With where we are at the minute, with the conversations I’ve had with Ben, obviously we’ve got a duty of care, I’ve got a duty of care as a human being, to make sure he follows our programme, our protocol, to make sure he goes into the summer, into pre-season.”
“He’s certainly welcome back into pre-season, to make sure he gets to the optimum fitness levels, and then the conversation can be ongoing from then.”
The approach reflects a broader consideration for Reading as they look to build a squad capable of sustaining a full season. Elliott’s quality when fit has never been in doubt, but his availability has become a growing concern.
“No, I don’t rule anything out at the minute.”
“He was injured before I came in, but with him getting injured under our watch, so to speak, I think it’s important that we first and foremost make sure he’s fit, he’s able, he goes up to an optimum level to where he’s at, and then we can continue those conversations if he does come back into a good fitness level.”
Richardson’s comments leave the door open, but they also underline the reality of the situation. Any new deal is likely to depend entirely on Elliott proving he can stay fit and contribute consistently.
Summer Set To Be Decisive
Pre-season is now set to play a defining role in Elliott’s future. The midfielder is expected to be given the opportunity to return and demonstrate his fitness levels, effectively placing the outcome in his own hands.
For Reading, this decision carries wider implications. After a season disrupted by injuries to key players, ensuring durability within the squad will be essential moving forward. Retaining talented individuals is important, but only if they can be relied upon across the course of a campaign.