Championship outfit Reading are eyeing a move for former Nottingham Forest player Yuri Ribeiro, according to the Reading Chronicle. The Portuguese performer left the City Ground in the summer after his contract expired.
The Royals are now hoping to land the 24-year-old on a free transfer. He is without a club since making the decision to leave at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
This news is perhaps bizarre. It was claimed that Ribeiro wasn’t happy in England and held a desire to make a return back to his native roots in Portugal.
Now, he could be handed the chance to continue his career in England at Reading. The Championship outfit have shipped six goals in their opening two games and defensive reinforcements are required.
Ribeiro checked in at Forest prior to the 2019/20 campaign. He made 52 appearances in two years at the club but didn’t fancy signing a contract extension.
It’s fair to say that he performed better during his first season at the club. His performances nearly helped the club claim a play-off place, with Forest losing out on the final day.
Ribeiro wasn’t considered a first-team regular during 2020/21 and Chris Hughton didn’t stand in his way when he opted to leave for Portugal.
Would Ribeiro to Reading hurt Forest fans?
When he posted an emotional departure message on Instagram to Forest fans, it seems to suggest that he was keen to return home.
A move hasn’t transpired though and now he may well consider a return to England with the Royals keen to pounce.
Reading need new players and are currently operating under a soft embargo. The club can only sign players on shorter deals, with salaries capped too.
With Forest struggling for a left-back right now, the Reds would certainly welcome Ribeiro in their team at this moment.
In the long-term, however, there are probably better options out there and Forest were still wise to let him go.