Charlie Savage’s Future Uncertain Amid Reading’s Promotion Push
Wales international Charlie Savage has been a standout performer for Reading in League One this season. However, with the club’s ownership situation still unresolved, there are concerns that Championship sides Sheffield United and Norwich City could reignite their interest in the 21-year-old midfielder ahead of a potential summer transfer.
Savage made the switch to Reading from Manchester United in 2023, having played just once for the Red Devils’ senior side. Seeking regular first-team football, he has since become a crucial figure in the Royals’ midfield.
Despite Reading’s struggles on and off the pitch in recent years, the Leicester-born midfielder—son of former Premier League star Robbie Savage—has been instrumental in their push to become a promotion-contending side in League One. His impressive early-season form caught the attention of Championship clubs in January, but no move materialized, allowing him to remain a key figure at the Madejski Stadium.
Reading still have a chance at securing promotion, currently sitting eighth in the League One table. However, regardless of their final league position, the previous interest from the Blades and the Canaries could resurface this summer. With several players set to leave due to expiring contracts, Reading will be desperate to hold on to their midfield star.
Savage’s Impact Has Gone Under the Radar
While much of the focus at Reading has been on off-field turmoil, Savage’s performances have quietly been exceptional. In his first season with the club, he managed five goals and three assists in 43 appearances, thriving as a box-to-box midfielder under Ruben Selles.
Last season’s struggles saw Reading finish 17th in League One, limiting transfer speculation. However, his influence has grown significantly this campaign, making him a vital player in their play-off pursuit. Savage leads the squad in goal contributions this season, registering six goals and nine assists in 41 appearances—impressive numbers for a midfielder who can also operate in a deeper role.
His all-around game has drawn praise from manager Noel Hunt, who has highlighted the youngster’s determination and influence in crucial matches. Given his form and consistent availability, Championship clubs will likely view him as a strong addition to their ranks in the upcoming transfer window.
Reading Must Fight to Keep Savage
With his contract running until 2027, Reading hold the upper hand in negotiations and will not be pressured into selling for a low fee, even with their ongoing financial difficulties. In January, reports suggested that Sheffield United, Norwich City, and Stoke City were monitoring the midfielder, with clubs believing a deal could be done. However, Reading’s valuation seemingly prevented a mid-season exit.
This summer, those interested clubs may be in a better position to meet the Royals’ demands. Meanwhile, Reading face a squad overhaul, with 14 first-team players approaching the end of their contracts and three loan players set to return to their parent clubs. As things stand, just nine senior players—including Savage—are contracted beyond this season.
Convincing Savage to stay at a club facing uncertainty, rather than moving to a Championship side with promotion ambitions, will be a challenge. His future will be a major talking point in the coming months, and Reading fans will be hoping rival clubs opt to look elsewhere when the transfer window reopens.
