Reading is looking to strengthen its squad during the winter transfer window with the acquisition of Swansea City defender Ricardo Santos.
The 30-year-old centre-back is in desperate need of game time as he looks to force his way into the Cape Verde squad for their debut World Cup campaign in the summer, and could find a new home in Berkshire, according to a new report from the Reading Chronicle.
Frustrating Spell In Wales For Santos
Santos joined Swansea in the summer after a five-year spell at Bolton Wanderers, where he helped the club gain promotion from League Two and captained the side that claimed the 2023 Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley.
The former Barnet man made over 200 appearances for Bolton, but has struggled since stepping up to the Championship. Upon joining the Swans, the defender spent an enforced spell on the sidelines through injury, but has since struggled to force his way into Vitor Matos’s thinking.
Since regaining fitness, Santos has made the matchday squad on just four occasions and has only seen action once, in a 3-0 defeat on the road at Bristol City. He has not been involved in first-team action of any sort since being an unused substitute at West Bromwich Albion on November 29th.
Now, with Swansea signing Crystal Palace icon Joel Ward to bolster their backline, the Reading Chronicle reports that the Royals are keen to give the defender the opportunity to play regularly again. Leam Richardson’s Royals are in search of defensive additions after losing loanee Matty James to injury as well as being without Derrick Williams and Tivonge Rushesha. In their victory over Stockport County last weekend, Reading could only name the inexperienced trio of Michael Stickland, Ashqar Ahmed and Mamadi Camara as defensive substitutes.
Important Months Ahead For Santos
Despite his struggles at the Swansea.com Stadium, Santos did enjoy better luck on the international stage in 2025, not only seeing Cape Verde qualify for this summer’s World Cup, but also making his debut for the country. ex-Peterborough United defender started the international friendly against Egypt in November, a match that ended 1-1.
Santos will be eager to play and ultimately force his way into his country’s squad for the summer showpiece, where they will face Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Santos Will Attract League One Interest
Reading is not the only club likely to be interested in securing the services of Ricardo Santos, but having signed a two-year deal just this summer, a fee is likely to be negotiated for any permanent switch.
The experienced defender spent the majority of his time with Bolton Wanderers under the stewardship of Ian Evatt, who is now in charge of Wanderers’ League One rivals Blackpool. Should the 30-year-old be made available by the Swans, interest from Evatt is to be expected.
With Santos’s recent injury record, a loan move back to the third tier is perhaps the most likely outcome during this winter window.