Reading FC’s acquisition of a Liverpool player for £3.75 million failed to meet expectations: Analysis

Undoubtedly, owner Dai Yongge has played a significant role in the decline of the Royals.

In the initial years at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Dai faced criticism for overspending, with numerous high-profile signings failing to meet expectations. George Puscas managed a decent performance during his debut season in Berkshire but fell short of realizing his full potential. Lucas Joao spent a considerable portion of his tenure at the club sidelined due to injury, while Sone Aluko proved to be notably disappointing following his transfer from Fulham.

Portuguese center-back Ilori came with high praise but struggled to leave a mark during his time at Liverpool.

His £3.75 million move to Berkshire presented a fresh start and an exciting opportunity. At the time, Reading FC was performing well in the division, showcasing an impressive style of football under Jaap Stam’s management.

Despite encountering a ligament injury shortly after joining, Ilori’s presence in the team during the latter part of the season proved crucial. The Berkshire side managed to secure a spot in the playoffs and came agonizingly close to earning promotion to the Premier League, narrowly losing out to Huddersfield Town in the final on penalties.