Modou Barrow Reportedly Wants Out Of Reading

The Royals may soon be in need of another winger.

According to Jonathan Low from Get Reading, Reading are getting ready to cash in on Modou Barrow. The Gambian winger wants to leave the club this summer, and that could be for as little as £1million. At this stage there’s no indication as to why he wants to quit Berkshire, with the article simply stating that he is “seeking to move on”.

If he does end up departing, it’s most likely to be to a foreign club. Low cites four French sides as potential destinations: Montpellier, Rennes, Saint-Etienne and Toulouse, but notes that none have put in an actual bid just yet.

Alternatively there are “several Turkish clubs” who may try to tempt Reading’s hand via a loan move with a view to a permanent switch further down the line. Shortly before the end of the January transfer window, Low revealed that Turkish side Bursaspor were interested. Whether or not they’ve come back in for Barrow is unclear, but their interest was described as “long-term” at the time.

By deadline day itself, Nottingham Forest and Hull City had come into the mix. However, all three clubs were reported to only be after loan deals, with Reading’s stance summarised thusly:

“Although Barrow is happy at Reading, the club are prepared to let him go for around £3m.”

What’s changed between then and now in terms of Barrow’s mindset is, again, unclear. It seems unlikely that his relationship with Gomes would have broken down, so perhaps he’s just keen on a change of scenery.

We do of course know (or at least strongly suspect, going by news of a soft transfer embargo) that our financial situation has become more pressing in terms of getting around FFP. Nonetheless, the £1million figure quoted this time around is somewhat disappointing. However, if Barrow really is set on leaving, and Reading are in need of more cash in the bank, it may be the best we can get.

This rumour does seem to have some legs to it, so we’re likely to have seen the last of Barrow in a Reading jersey. Would you be sad if that were the case, or happy to cash in? Let us know in the comments or on our social media pages.