Reading have had a strong start to the 2024/25 League One campaign despite various hurdles, but the January transfer window appears likely to threaten the launch of a spanner into their play-off aspirations.
The Royals still possess plenty of talented players from New Zealand international Tyler Bindon to experienced EFL midfielder Lewis Wing and have subsequently won each of their last three league outings, but one of their key players is continuing to attract attention from clubs in the Championship.
According to the Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath, Championship duo Portsmouth and Oxford United have set their sights on signing Reading playmaker Harvey Knibbs during the January transfer window.
Fellow journalist Darren Witcoop has also reported that Derby County are also keeping tabs on Knibbs, with the January transfer window expected to test Reading’s reserve as interest continues to grow.
Is a move to the Championship justified?
The 25-year-old has played a crucial role during the first half of Reading’s 2024/25 campaign, as the Royals occupy the final play-off place following a 3-1 away win against relegation-threatened Cambridge United on New Year’s Day.
Knibbs has scored eight goals so far this season, whilst assisting another two during the 20 league games he’s played thus far, averaging out at a contribution every two matches.
The playmaker is currently averaging 1.58 shots, 1.04 chance creations, 6.07 duel wins and an xG of 0.3 per 90 minutes in League One. These statistics prove that Knibbs is a physical presence (due to his high duel wins) and likes to create chances for his teammates as well as having the confidence to take on opportunities of his own.
Reading have scored 39 league goals this season, meaning 25.6% of their strikes have involved Knibbs, further proving that he has been crucial to the Royals so far and has produced enough high-level performances to justify a potential move up a tier.
If he was to leave Reading, which of the sides would suit him better?
In terms of the league standings, Paul Warne’s Derby County led the way and also operated a system that would suit Knibbs. The Rams use a 3-4-1-2 system, allowing Knibbs to occupy the attacking midfield position which is the one he’s taken up at Reading so far this season.
Oxford United have hit form since the arrival of Gary Rowett and use a 4-2-3-1 system. Against Millwall, Tyler Goodrham, Ruben Rodrigues and Przemyslaw Placheta occupied the attacking three which suggests that if Knibbs went to Oxford – he’d have a battle to make the starting XI immediately and may need to bide his time.
Portsmouth are currently just a point above the bottom three and also use a 4-2-3-1 system. Paddy Lane, Josh Murphy and Callum Lang currently fulfil the role although Pompey isn’t short of attacking options either. However, their league position suggests they are still targeting an improvement in the final third to ensure their survival.
Verdict: Location-wise, it would appear better for Knibbs to move to Oxford United if the situation were to arise in January, but Derby County are arguably the main team from the three that are in greater need of his qualities and versatility.
Reading fans, do you think Knibbs will leave the football club this month?