The summer transfer window has already been a busy one for Reading FC. The Royals, under the guidance of manager Rubén Sellés, have added nine new faces to their squad, including four loan signings, four free agents, and one permanent purchase in Paddy Lane from Portsmouth.
Yet, despite the flurry of arrivals, there remains one glaring area still in need of strengthening: a proven striker.
While Reading’s attacking midfield options have been bolstered and their defensive depth improved, the club still lacks a focal point up front capable of consistently hitting double figures in League One. With the clock ticking on the summer window, all signs point to the Royals being active in their pursuit of a forward.
Below, we take a detailed look at four potential striker targets who could fit Reading’s needs, factoring in budget constraints, availability, and suitability for Sellés’ style of play.
Alfie May – The Proven Lower-League Goal Machine
- Current Club: Charlton Athletic
- Age: 31
- Contract Situation: Linked with a potential move after one season at Charlton
Alfie May’s record speaks for itself. Over the past three League One campaigns, he has consistently been among the division’s most dangerous forwards, notching up over 50 league goals across spells with Cheltenham Town and Charlton Athletic.
May’s playing style would suit Reading perfectly: he’s tenacious, intelligent with his movement, and clinical in and around the penalty box. Despite standing at just 5’9”, his anticipation allows him to get in front of defenders, and his instinctive finishing ensures he makes the most of half-chances.
Charlton may be reluctant to sell, but with the Addicks rebuilding and Reading pushing to mount a promotion charge, a well-structured offer — perhaps involving performance-related bonuses — could tempt them into talks.
Why it could work:
- Proven at League One level
- Brings instant goals and experience
- Could mentor younger forwards
Matty Taylor – The Experienced Poacher
- Current Club: Free Agent
- Age: 34
- Contract Situation: Released by Port Vale this summer
Matty Taylor might be in the twilight of his career, but his knack for scoring hasn’t deserted him. The former Bristol Rovers and Oxford United hitman has long been a reliable source of goals in the EFL, using his clever movement and predatory instincts to maximum effect.
As a free agent, Taylor offers a low-risk option for Reading. He wouldn’t need a large transfer fee, and his wages are likely to be manageable within the club’s budget. Even if used primarily as an impact substitute, his experience in big games could prove invaluable in tight promotion battles.
Why it could work:
- No transfer fee involved
- A short-term solution to buy time for a long-term signing
- Poaching ability could win vital points
Macauley Bonne – The Hungry Rebuilder
- Current Club: Free Agent
- Age: 28
- Contract Situation: Released by Gillingham at the end of last season
Macauley Bonne’s career has been something of a rollercoaster. After bursting onto the scene with Leyton Orient and earning a move to Charlton, he’s since had mixed spells with Ipswich, QPR, and Gillingham. However, at 28, Bonne still has plenty of football left in him and might see Reading as the perfect platform to reignite his career.
Bonne offers pace in behind and an aerial threat, making him a more versatile option than some pure poachers. In a Sellés system that values direct running and quick transitions, Bonne’s ability to stretch defences could create space for Reading’s attacking midfielders to operate.
Why it could work:
- Free transfer opportunity
- Still in prime playing years
- Brings a mix of speed, work rate, and aerial ability
Kyle Hudlin – The Wildcard Target Man
- Current Club: Huddersfield Town
- Age: 23
- Contract Situation: Fringe player, potential loan candidate
At 6’9”, Kyle Hudlin is one of the tallest professional footballers in England — and that alone makes him a unique attacking weapon. While still raw, Hudlin’s presence in the box causes constant headaches for defenders, and his aerial dominance could be a huge asset for a Reading side looking to add variety to their attacking approach.
Given Huddersfield’s Championship ambitions, Hudlin might find his game time limited this season. A loan move to Reading would give him the platform to develop while giving the Royals a physical option up front — something they currently lack.
Why it could work:
- Offers a completely different attacking dimension
- A potential season-long loan fits Reading’s budget model
- Could be developed into a more complete striker
What Sellés Needs from His New Forward
Signing a striker in League One is always a balancing act. Reading’s next No. 9 must be:
- Prolific enough to hit at least 12–15 league goals.
- Fit enough to lead the line in a high-energy pressing system.
- Adaptable to link up with creative players like Paddy Lane and the club’s loan midfielders.
While Alfie May and Matty Taylor offer instant reliability, Bonne and Hudlin present higher-upside, slightly riskier bets. Much will depend on Reading’s budget flexibility in the final days of the window.
The Transfer Window So Far – Solid Foundations
To date, Reading’s business has been efficient and targeted. Among the nine arrivals:
- Four loan signings have boosted squad depth and quality, especially in midfield.
- Four free agents have brought valuable EFL experience without transfer fees.
- Paddy Lane’s arrival from Portsmouth gives Sellés a creative winger capable of delivering quality service for a striker.
The focus now must be on converting those crosses and key passes into goals, and that means finding the right forward before the deadline.
The Race Against Time
With just days remaining in the window, Reading’s recruitment team will be working around the clock to secure their man. Whether they opt for a seasoned finisher like May or Taylor, or gamble on the potential of Bonne or Hudlin, the decision could define the club’s promotion chances.
History shows that a mid-table League One side with a consistent scorer can transform into a promotion contender almost overnight. Reading’s challenge is to make sure their next striker signing falls into the category of match-winner rather than stop-gap.
The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
Reading’s rebuild under Rubén Sellés is already showing signs of promise. The squad looks more balanced, the defence more organised, and the midfield more dynamic. But without a reliable spearhead, all that hard work risks being blunted in the final third.
The next striker through the door at the Select Car Leasing Stadium will not only need to score goals — they’ll need to lead the line, inspire the dressing room, and give the fans belief that this is the season the Royals can challenge for a return to the Championship.
The options are there. The time to act is now.
Royals fans — which of these four strikers would you most like to see join Reading before the window shuts? Have your say using #RoyalsStrikerSearch.
Leave a Reply