Reading arguably missed out on a place in the League One play-offs due to their defensive record in 2024/25, and it appears the club have recognised this as they close in on a deal for a left-back currently playing his trade in the Championship.
The Royals have seen Amadou Mbengue join Queens Park Rangers; however, they have replaced the key centre-back with Lincoln City’s Paudie O’Connor, one of the best defenders in the third tier.
The League One side finished three points outside the top six, having lost 4-2 at home to Barnsley on the final day. Their goals against tally of 57 was nine higher than any side in the top six, with Noel Hunt and the management team moving to address this area this summer.
17-Year-Old Steps Up to Cover Left-Back Role
England under-18 international Andre Garcia was promoted from the Reading academy just last summer and went on to play 43 times in all competitions in a hectic first season in the senior set-up. The experience gained in fighting for a play-off spot will be pivotal in his development, but it did appear that the player needed his minutes managed at times.
His form was a bit up-and-down during the run-in, and although there is a significant gem on the hands of the Reading management here, it is a smart move to target another player in this position in the summer.
Garcia ranked in the top three for successful dribbles per game at the club and a significantly higher % completed than the two players above him in this metric. This may indicate he might be more comfortable playing further forward down the line, and that option may be open to the manager next season as a deal closes for an established left-back.
Reading Agree Loan Deal For Defender
24-year-old Matty Jacob has been a reliable squad player for Hull City in the last two Championship campaigns. He has made a total of 23 appearances for the Tigers and is capable of stepping up to provide a different option to Garcia at left-back for Reading in League One.
According to Pete O’Rourke on X, the Royals have agreed a loan deal for Jacob with the move set to be finalised later in the week.
It is an impressive move from Reading, should the deal finalise, and the club have also brought in goalkeeper Jack Stevens from Cambridge United, in what is looking like a complete overhaul of the defensive third. The addition of Jacob with O’Connor also arriving makes the back four look much stronger than it did last season.