Reading hit by fresh transfer embargo as new buyer emerges

Reading have entered into a new period of exclusivity with an unnamed buyer - on the same day the club has been handed a fresh transfer embargo by the English Football League.

The stricken League One club has suffered from fines, points deductions and fan protests during Dai Yongge's tumultuous reign as owner and had a previous transfer ban lifted in August 2023.

In a statement on the club's website,, external Reading said the new embargo was due to "the late filing of financial accounts to Companies House, and relates to the 2022-23 accounting period".

Reading added they believed the embargo would be lifted once the overdue accounts are finalised, which they hoped would happen "at the earliest opportunity".

The Royals were relegated to League One in 2022-23 and have been deducted 18 points overall during Chinese businessman Dai's tenure as owner.

A deal for former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig to buy the club fell through last month after an agreement could not be reached.

"The club can confirm it has agreed to a period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser," the statement added.

"Both parties are working hard to finalise terms with the intention to complete a sale at the earliest opportunity.

"This exclusivity period also includes further provision to fund the club until the transaction's intended completion.

"The proposed sale will include Mr Dai's shareholding in Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground."

More to follow.