Namelessandrew1957 Serious question. Does anyone think we will try to negotiate short term contract extensions for the players like Blackett, Loader, Adam, Miazga, Boye, Gomes, McCleary and Gunter etc who are out of contract on 30 June or will we let them go and play the Academy lads until the end of the season. Also what happens with say Ejaria - as we were supposed to be buying him at the end of the season. I suppose in that case Liverpool might extend the loan until a deal is completed.
Personally - as our chances of the play offs are low - I would go for the latter as not only will it save money in these tough times but also mean that some of the younger lads will get more experience - especially with 5 subs allowed.
As for the end of the season of those out of contract I hope we can keep Obita and buy Ejaria - but I doubt any of the others will be offered an extension.
Has the situation been clarified legally ? Is there a requirement to renegotiate every deal separately ? Can an out of contract player sign and play for another club ? Would any extension be a simple change of end date or could players demand extra money / clubs offer reduced terms ?
Does the Ejaria purchase kick in on a fixed date ?
I’d not be offering extensions to anyone unless there is a strong chance of them playing most of the remaking games, or staying next season. So of the OOC players Pele and Obita are the only 2 I’d be even considering talking to about deals. The others either just aren’t in our plans or can be replaced by home grown players for the remaining games.
Ejaria is expected to become a Reading player permanently on 1st July. Believe a deal to commit to the purchase was made last summer, however with everything in such a state at the moment who knows whether it will all go ahead or whether the club will lose his services after this date.