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Free agent Semi Ajayi is in talks over a contract with Championship side Hull City and League One outfit Reading FC.
That’s according to his agent, Larry Oban, who revealed the talks to African media, as quoted by the Express and Star.
Ajayi was recently released by West Bromwich Albion, where he’s been since signing at the Hawthorns from Rotherham United in 2019. Oban confirmed Ajayi would have been open to remaining with the Baggies, but a contract offer did not materialise.
We asked Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie for his thoughts on whether this would be a good signing for Reading.
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Ajayi a smart signing for Reading
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie said: “Semi Ajayi having talks with Reading FC, according to his agent, he’s available on a free transfer, good potential signing for the Royals? Yes, 100 per cent.
“Yes, I definitely think so. I think experience alone of where he’s been and what he’s capable of defensively, you know, I think he’d be a real big signing for them.
“I really do think that, you know, you look at where he’s been and what he’s achieved.
“Obviously played a lot of Championship football, 31 years of age, which is added experience to, maybe bringing players in and maybe the direction of where they’re going with some of the younger players that they have.
“So, I think a real, real good signing, if that’s true and he’s available on a free transfer, I don’t think that they could really turn that down or they’d definitely push to get that deal done because I think it’d be a great addition to Reading Football Club.”
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Ajayi worth the gamble on a free
There’s no getting away from the fact that signing Ajayi comes with its risks, as does any signing.
He managed just 15 appearances for West Brom last season, battling with persistent hamstring issues, which likely played a big part in his release.
But his experience alone makes him an interesting proposition for Reading.
A Nigeria international, Ajayi also has 200 Championship outings to his name, with 48 League One games and 33 Premier League appearances also on his CV.
The 31-year-old has seen all levels of the game, so will understand exactly what he’s getting himself into if he does make the drop, but will carry with him the knowledge of what’s needed to prepare for the levels above.
The Royals are now under new management, after Rob Couhig took over the club from Dai Yongge towards the end of the season, so investment will no doubt follow.
Many clubs below the Premier League tend to focus such spending on younger players that will retain some sell-on value if they kick on; if Reading follow that model, then adding the experience that Ajayi would provide, for a low cost, would be a shrewd move.
There is, of course, the risk that the defender continues his unfortunate run of injuries, but that risk is probably also the reason a third-tier club has access to a talent like Ajayi.
If Reading take that risk and it ends up coming off, it’ll look an incredibly smart move.
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