The transfer window closes

The transfer window closed yesterday and Reading had a wonderful summer in the transfer market, signing eleven new players.

Reading welcomed Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond and Ali Al-Habsi. Defenders Paul McShane and Andrew Taylor (loan). Midfielders Stephen Quinn and Alex Fernandez (loan). Wingers Paulo Hurtado, Lucas Piazon (loan) and Ola John (loan) and Strikers Olrando Sa and Matej Vydra (loan).

Steve Clarke promised a massive clear out and this was the case. Goalkeepers Adam Federici and Mikkel Andersen left on frees. Defenders Stephen Kelly, Zat Knight, Jure Travner and Alex Pearce also departed after their contracts ran out. Michael Hector joined Cheslea, however he’ll remain at us for the remainder of the season. Midfielders Jem Karacan, Hope Akpan, Danny Guthrie and Ryan Edwards also left. Strikers Yakubu and Pavel Pogrebnyak were also on the long list of departing players. Jake Taylor and Aaron Kuhl went to Scotland on loan.

Defensively, The Royals look much stronger with Paul McShane a big upgrade on Alex Pearce after his impressive start to his Reading career. The revitalized Anton Ferdinand is also like a new signing after overcoming last seasons injury woes to form a fantastic partnership with Paul.

Our Midfield has much more strength in depth with Aaron Tshibola really stepping up his development, adding to the arrivals of Fernandez and Quinn, giving us more than enough options in midfield.

Reading now have a very creative squad aswell. With Hurtado, Piazon and John all signing, adding to Mccleary and Robson-Kanu, we have fantastic options in wide areas.

Steve Clarke also bolstered our attacking options with the signings of Sa and Vydra. Vydra has blistering pace and scores goals whereas Sa holds the ball up brilliantly and brings other players into play. These two add to Blackman, who is in great goalscoring form, Simon Cox and young Samuel.

Reading now have a very strong squad with many options after a top transfer window. A promotion push is certainly on the cards.