Reading are zoning in on Barnsley right-back Andy Yiadom this summer. According to recent reports, the Royals are on the verge of completing a transfer for the Ghanaian defender as the player is undergoing a medical in Reading. It is believed that the 26-year-old will pen a four-year deal at the Madejski Stadium and will become Paul Clement’s first signing of the summer transfer period.
The Berkshire outfit are looking to strengthen their options for the new campaign and Yiadom will be a shrewd addition to their defence. Some sources are now claiming that Clement was prioritising a new right-back in this post-season in order to add some competition for their senior choice right-back Chris Gunter going into the new campaign.
Yiadom will add more steel to the Royals backline which could help them push for a promotion place next year. It is expected that he will sign a long-term contract with the Royals after Barnsley were relegated to the League One earlier this month. However, there are concerns regarding his fitness following his long spell out on the sidelines due to a serious spinal injury. Recent reports have also suggested that Reading has offered him a big pay hike to ensure they get their man ahead of the likes of Leeds United, who were also interested in Yiadom’s services.
A source was recently quoted to have said, “I would be very surprised if the deal doesn’t go through.
“He was always going to leave Barnsley.
“He had his heart set on the Premier League but Reading have offered him a massive increase on his wages.
“He has been one of Barnsley’s most reliable players for the last two seasons.”
The Royals of Berkshire managed to save themselves from being demoted to the third tier of English football after finishing in the 20th position in the Skybet Championship table. Clement needs to bring in some quality players in the upcoming transfer period to try and improve their league performance next year.
The potential acquisition of Yiadom will definitely bolster Clement’s defensive options ahead of the new season. Reading have defenders such as Chris Gunter, Liam Moore, Paul McShane and Tiago Ilori competing for a place in their first-team. The addition of Yiadom will undoubtedly improve their squad significantly and add more competition for places within their team.
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At 26, the Ghanaian defender still has his peak years ahead of him which the Royals could look to utilise in the years to come. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Yiadom and whether he turns out to be a success at the Madjeski Stadium.
