Reading FC has been no stranger to high-profile signings over the years, with a number of players arriving from various corners of Europe, hoping to make an impact on the Championship stage. However, one deal that continues to stick out in the minds of many Royals fans is the transfer of George Puscas, a Romanian international striker who arrived at the club with much fanfare in 2019. His arrival, while exciting at the time, ended up being a cautionary tale, with Puscas failing to live up to expectations and leaving the club without making a lasting impact.
As the 2025 season enters its critical phase, Reading’s management and supporters alike will be keen to avoid a repeat of that deal, particularly with a new crop of potential signings on the horizon. While Puscas remains a talent on paper, his time at the club, marred by inconsistent performances and injury setbacks, has made Reading wary of repeating the mistakes of the past. With fresh transfer targets being identified, the club is focused on building a squad that can not only compete in the Championship but push for a return to the Premier League.
The George Puscas Saga
When Reading signed George Puscas from Italian side FC Internazionale in the summer of 2019, it was meant to be a statement of intent. The Romanian forward had been a standout player for his national team, scoring goals in international competitions, including at the U21 European Championship. His signing was greeted with optimism, as Puscas was seen as a potential solution to the club’s long-running striker issues. Having been brought in for a significant transfer fee, the pressure was on him to deliver.
However, despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Puscas’s time at Reading was marred by inconsistency. The striker struggled to replicate the form that had earned him his move to the club, and his performance in front of goal was notably erratic. In his first season, he managed only 4 goals in 26 appearances, a far cry from the prolific scorer that many had hoped he would become. In subsequent seasons, his contributions remained limited, and he was often relegated to a bit-part role under various managers.
What stood out the most during Puscas’s spell at Reading was his inability to find consistency. He had flashes of brilliance, scoring some important goals, but he rarely strung together the kind of performances that would make him a fixture in the starting XI. As injuries also plagued his time in Berkshire, Puscas was ultimately loaned out to Serie B side Brescia in 2021, and his contract was mutually terminated in 2022, with the player leaving Reading on a free transfer.
For Reading, the Puscas saga became emblematic of what can go wrong when signing players based on potential alone, without fully considering whether they are the right fit for the club and its style of play. It’s a scenario that the club will be eager to avoid in future transfer dealings.
Looking Ahead: The Key to Avoiding Another Puscas-Type Deal
Reading FC’s management, led by manager Veljko Paunović (or his successor, depending on timing), has undoubtedly learned valuable lessons from the Puscas deal. While the Romanian forward was undoubtedly talented, his lack of adaptation to Championship football, combined with injury issues, meant that the deal never really worked out as planned. So, as the club looks to add new faces to its squad in the coming months, there are several key considerations to avoid making the same mistakes.
First and foremost, Reading will be keen to sign players who not only have potential but also possess the adaptability and mentality required to succeed in the Championship. This is a league that demands consistency, physicality, and mental toughness, and any player who cannot handle those demands will likely struggle, regardless of how much raw talent they bring with them. Puscas, for all his natural ability, never quite found his rhythm in England’s second tier, and that is something the club cannot afford to repeat.
In addition, Reading will likely focus on more extensive scouting to ensure that any new signings are familiar with the nuances of English football. While Puscas had a solid international reputation when he joined, his move to Reading may have been rushed in some respects, without proper consideration of how his style of play would transition to the demands of the Championship. A forward who thrives in one country’s style of play may not be as effective in another, and that lesson is not lost on the club’s decision-makers as they consider their next moves.
Finally, Reading will want to ensure that any incoming signings are not only capable of contributing immediately but can also be integrated seamlessly into the team’s tactical setup. Whether it’s a striker or a defender, any player coming in needs to fit into the collective identity and playing philosophy that Paunović or his successor is trying to establish. Too many players have arrived at Reading in the past only to find themselves out of sync with the rest of the squad, and it’s vital for the club’s stability and success that these issues are avoided.
The Current Transfer Market: Reading’s Strategy for the Future
Looking ahead to the 2025 transfer window, Reading’s focus will be on smart, measured signings that enhance the squad without repeating the mistakes of the past. Unlike in the past when the club splashed out on potentially high-risk signings, the Royals are now more focused on finding players who can fit seamlessly into their system. The emphasis will likely be on players with a proven track record in English football or players who have experience in the Championship or lower leagues, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by the physicality and pace of the competition.
In recent months, Reading has been linked with a number of players, but the focus will be on securing individuals who are ready to make an immediate impact. Whether it’s a goal-scoring forward, a midfield enforcer, or a solid defender, the key will be finding players who can perform consistently at a high level.
Moreover, with financial constraints continuing to be a concern for many Championship clubs, Reading’s scouting department will need to continue being creative. The club has had success in recent years with loan deals and free transfers, and this route will likely remain a priority for the Royals. Whether it’s a young player looking for first-team experience or a veteran seeking a new challenge, Reading will need to remain smart in the transfer market, taking calculated risks rather than relying on big-money signings that might not work out.
Learning from Past Mistakes: Puscas as a Cautionary Tale
George Puscas’s time at Reading FC was disappointing for all parties involved. The potential was there, but the reality was far less glamorous. For Reading, the Puscas transfer is now seen as a cautionary tale, one that highlights the importance of making smart, pragmatic decisions in the transfer market. While the club’s recruitment strategy has undoubtedly evolved since then, it is clear that they cannot afford to make similar mistakes in the future.
In the coming months, as the club looks to strengthen its squad, Reading FC’s management will be conscious of the lessons learned from the Puscas deal. It is no longer about flashy signings based on reputation alone. The focus will be on bringing in players who are both capable of performing in the Championship and who fit the club’s vision for the future.
Reading FC will be keen to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, and with a more thoughtful, measured approach to recruitment, they will look to build a squad that can push for promotion in the coming seasons, without falling into the trap of another deal gone wrong.