Reading FC’s chaotic ownership saga has taken a new twist, with American investor Robert Platek now officially out of the picture — and former Wycombe Wanderers chairman Rob Couhig reportedly back in as a serious contender to take over.
The club issued a fresh update on Wednesday confirming that Platek’s exclusivity period has expired and that they are now in “advanced dialogue” with another party, who sources suggest is Couhig. This follows last year’s collapsed talks between the Royals and Couhig, which had previously come close to the finish line.
Another Shift, Same Urgency
Reading have been under pressure from supporters, the EFL and internal stakeholders to bring a swift end to the drawn-out saga. Last month, the league granted owner Dai Yongge an extension until 22 April to offload the club, recognising the complexity of negotiations but demanding progress.
In their latest statement, the club offered reassurances about the tone and pace of the discussions now under way:
“Club representatives are now in advanced dialogue with an alternative bidder… negotiations are proceeding in a professional and positive manner.” – Reading FC
The club confirmed that it is continuing to meet all financial obligations — including payroll and taxes — in the interim. The aim remains to finalise a sale before the EFL-imposed deadline to avoid further regulatory sanctions.
Platek’s exit from the process will disappoint some fans, but the return of Rob Couhig as a leading contender could be a welcome development. His prior EFL experience and commitment to fan-focused ownership at Wycombe could be well-suited to a club seeking both stability and vision.
The question now is whether Reading can avoid another collapse at the final hurdle. Couhig walked away from talks once before. A repeat could leave the club in a far more precarious position than they are already facing.
Site Opinion
Reading FC have long been in need of a fresh start. Whether it’s Couhig or another bidder, the key now is completing the process — quickly and cleanly. Supporters have watched this saga drag on for too long. With a ticking EFL clock and no room left for errors, this really is the last chance to get it right. Couhig knows the league, knows the challenge — and this time, must know how high the stakes really are.
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