Since chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth completed his takeover of Oxford United in March 2018, the U’s have signed a number of players from his former club, Reading.
Rob Dickie was signed from the Royals just weeks before the takeover was complete and the following summer, Sam Smith joined the U’s on loan, also from Reading.
In addition to former Reading players James Henry as Jamie Mackie, Karl Robinson then signed Tariqe Fosu and Liam Kelly, another set of past Reading midfielders, from Charlton Athletic and Feyenoord respectively.
This summer, there are three Reading players that are out of contract that would all be decent signings for Robinson’s side.
Jordan Obita
Oxford-born left-back Jordan Obita could be a shrewd summer signing for the U’s. The 26-year-old came through the youth set-up at Reading before breaking through in 2010. Since, the defender, who can also play as a winger, has gone to to make over 180 club appearances.
This season, Obita has made just 14 appearances in the Championship, having suffered an ankle injury. But with Josh Ruffels the only recognised left-back at the club, it would still be a top addition to the club.
Chris Gunter
Wales international Chris Gunter is also out of contract this summer. The 30-year-old right-back, who can also play on the left, has made just 13 appearances in the league this season, but the 2017 Welsh Footballer of the Year still has plenty to offer.
Capped by his country on 96 occasions, Gunter has been with the Royals since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2012 and has surpassed 300 appearances for the club. Like the left-back position, Oxford only have one natural right-back in Sam Long so someone with as much experience as Gunter would be a great improvement.
Garath McCleary
Like Obita, winger Garath McCleary is Oxford-born and like Gunter, he joined the Royals from Nottingham Forest in 2012. Having started off in Oxford United’s youth academy, he began his career with Oxford City, before moves to Slough, Bromley and Forest. At Reading, McCleary has made over 250 appearances for the club.
Despite being 32-years-old, the former Jamaica international still has plenty to offer. The U’s have a solid midfield but the winger has provided five assists and scored twice from just 16 outings this season, proving he still has plenty to offer.
