Brynjar Gunnarsson, a reading favourite, is adamant that the team will remain appealing to free agents even if the current off-field drama prolongs into the preseason.
After spending eight years in Berkshire and making 163 appearances, including two Championship titles, Gunnarsson joined the Royals in 2005.
Ten years after he left, the team has had several renegade owners and doesn’t seem to be connected to the Premier League at all.
Dai Yongge put the team up for sale last season after seven years as its owner, sparking a wave of protests from fans who had assumed the club would have changed hands by then.
However, after a period of exclusivity ended with an unidentified party, a club statement last week confirmed that talks are still ongoing with multiple parties.
Naturally, this uncertainty puts a stop to any plans for the upcoming season, as Ruben Selles and his backroom team are currently unable to make any acquisitions.
In spite of this, Gunnarsson is confident that the team will draw in potential players.
The combative midfielder told BBC Radio Berkshire, “You will probably wait another week or two to see what happens but if you get players interested in between contracts—it’s not a nice feeling.” Many players out there would be interested in visiting Reading, so it’s not like you should take advantage of that. It just needs some behind-the-scenes work. The stadium, training ground, and fan base are all in good locations.”
The 48-year-old, who spent time in Sweden before going back to his native Iceland last year, is eager to advance into coaching.
