Reading’s Rinomhota interesting the Robins
READING’S Andy Rinomhota is on Bristol City’s summer transfer window shortlist, the Daily Press understands, with the Royals defensive midfielder set to be available on a free transfer.
Rinomhota is one of 14 first-team players out of contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and, although Paul Ince was confirmed as new head coach this week to provide some sense of stability at the club, there is the increasing likelihood that he will end his seven years in Berkshire for a new challenge.
The 25-year-old has been offered a new deal by Reading, but with finances tight he could secure a better financial package elsewhere, at a team more likely to be looking upwards in the Championship.
City are one of a number of clubs who have declared an interest in the all-action midfielder, who is one of several possible Robins options in that position, and although formal talks are yet to take place, talks are anticipated before the end of the month.
Rinomhota possesses considerable experience, having been a consistent presence in the Reading midfield over the last four seasons, making 139 appearances and impressing with his patient passing game and disruptive abilities when out of possession.
When asked about his contract situation earlier this month, he told BBC Radio Berkshire: “There are still a lot of things which can happen. I’m not too sure myself, and I can’t really explain any more in any detail.
“That’s as much as I know. There are discussions with the club, but it’s a bit back and forth, so we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks. I’m not saying I’m definitely leaving or anything like that. I’ve been happy at Reading over the past five or six years, and have really enjoyed my time here and one way or another I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”
City boss Nigel Pearson’s desire for a genuine destructive defensive midfielder is well-established and is likely to be further amplified should Han-Noah Massengo be sold in this transfer window as the Frenchman enters the final 12 months of his contract.
With Andy King offered a playercoaching role, and the belief the veteran will accept the position, inevitably leading to reduced firstteam minutes, it leaves City’s engine room with Matty James, Alex Scott, Joe Williams and returning loanee Tyreeq Bakinson, who does not appear to have a future at the club.
James and Williams proved a strong pair towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign, with injuries having delayed the formation of that partnership but neither is a defensive specialist, while Scott is more effective as a creative player.
City do have Dylan Kadji and Josh Owers among the next crop of academy talent, and at least one of them could play an increased firstteam role next season, but adding a tried-and-tested figure such as Rinomhota would increase the options and depth in the position.
Signed by Reading as a teenager from non-League AFC Portchester in his native Hampshire, Rinomhota progressed through the ranks before earning his debut in 2017.