Reading supporter pundit for FLW weighs in on Portsmouth’s possible pursuit of Michael Craig.
Michael Craig, a midfielder for Reading FC, is a target for Portsmouth this summer. The recently promoted Championship team is reportedly considering signing the 21-year-old in the upcoming transfer window, according to Football Insider. Craig left Tottenham Hotspur in 2022 to join the Royals after failing to make an impression in North London. He didn’t really establish himself as a regular in the Royals lineup until 2023–24, mostly because of his appearances for the under-21 team during his first season in Berkshire.
The Barnet native made 28 appearances in League One when the Berkshire team fought to avoid dropping to the fourth division. He was a consistent starter, particularly around the midway point of the season when Rubén Sellés’ team came in at number 17 in the standings.
Johnny Hunt, a FLW fan commentator from Reading, questions Craig’s readiness to face in the Championship at this time. In any case, the Royals supporter hopes that Sellés will keep the 21-year-old in his lineup past this season.
This season, Michael Craig has been an incredible talent for Reading, according to Hunt, who spoke with Football League World. “He could play in the Championship, for sure, but he’s still a little bit inconsistent for his age,” I said. “If Portsmouth wants to advance in the Championship, I believe they will be searching for someone with a little bit more experience.
The main reason is that I wouldn’t want to see him leave Reading because there is potential for the team there to truly build something spectacular, as we’ve done this season, and he is a part of it. I could see him playing as a squad player for them.” “He was thrown into the deep end due to the disarray within the club, and he’s still learning his craft.”
Hunt maintained his want to see Craig stay with the Royals for the upcoming season, but he thinks the Scot has the potential to be worth a seven-figure sum. “It’s such a hard thing to call, valuation-wise—who knows what footballers are worth these days?” he continued.
If he went, it would undoubtedly cost a lot of money—£2 million? “We cannot sell our players; instead, we must resolve the ownership issues as quickly as possible in order to resolve the contracts for these players and consider developing a real strategy for the future. “I hope he stays, and I don’t think he’s ready to be playing in the top half of the Championship just yet. I want him to stay.” “Hopefully, we’ll have that.”
