Reading FC is facing financial instability and a transfer ban, making it unlikely for them to secure a permanent deal for loan player Paul Mukairu. Despite showing flashes of brilliance in the EFL Trophy, Mukairu has struggled in League One, managing just 2 goals in 24 appearances.
The likelihood of Reading signing Mukairu permanently from Copenhagen is deemed unrealistic, especially with the club expected to remain in the third-tier for another season.
This analysis is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, featuring personal opinions from FLW Fan Pundits on various topics related to football news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more.
Reading FC’s season has been tumultuous, marked by fan discontent over their increasing points deduction. With financial uncertainties and a transfer ban, it remains unclear whom the club can acquire in the upcoming summer transfer window, especially as they are likely to continue competing in the third tier.
Last season, the Royals were relegated, partly due to point deductions under owner Dai Yongge. This season, with additional points deducted, they initially struggled at the bottom of the table but later improved, positioning themselves closer to mid-table.
However, the club’s transfer ban, prohibiting them from paying fees for the entirety of the next season, poses a challenge to any potential moves, including a permanent deal for Paul Mukairu, the current loan signing.
What Reading’s fan pundit has said about Paul Mukairu
FLW’s Reading FC’s fan pundit, Johnny Hunt, expressed doubts about Paul Mukairu being a viable target for the club, given Reading’s uncertain financial situation.
According to Johnny, Mukairu’s performance is inconsistent despite his speed, with his final delivery sometimes lacking. Although he can produce moments of quality, Johnny believes this is why Mukairu is playing for Reading rather than at a higher level.
Johnny highlighted the club’s financial constraints, mentioning that they cannot afford transfer fees for players. He mentioned the possibility of loan signings but expressed skepticism about Mukairu returning under such circumstances.
However, Johnny acknowledged that any player willing to join Reading is a bonus, considering the club’s current position. He concluded that while he wouldn’t reject Mukairu outright, he sees it as an unrealistic option for Reading next season, whether they remain in League One or drop to League Two.
How Paul Mukairu has fared at Reading during his loan spell
Mukairu hasn’t quite made a significant impact in League One this season. However, he has shown his talent in the EFL Trophy, where he has scored three goals and provided three assists in just five games.
In league matches, Mukairu didn’t register his first goal contribution until the last game of 2023. He scored the equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Cheltenham, another team struggling in the league. He later scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Derby, a team competing for promotion, towards the end of January.
| Paul Mukairu – Reading season in all competitions | Games | Goals | Assists |
| League One | 24 | 2 | 0 |
| Cup competition | 7 | 3 | 3 |
He has only started 13 games and made appearances off the bench in 11 more, and lately, it seems he has struggled to find his form, particularly evident in the three games he was on the bench this year, where Reading won against Stevenage, Port Vale, and Carlisle United.
The player, born in Nigeria, still has almost two years left on his contract. It’s highly improbable that Mukairu would join Reading permanently, considering Copenhagen would likely demand a transfer fee for his services. However, a loan deal could be a possibility if Ruben Selles, in charge of such decisions, deems it appropriate.
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