Reading have sold young forward Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan to Danish side AC Horsens for a reported fee of £640,000.
The 23-year-old forward had 12 months left on his two-year deal, which he signed in the summer of 2024, and his inconsistent performances in League One have been well-documented by Reading fans. Despite his physical strength, technical ability, and skill to finish, Ehibhatiomhan struggled to convince as a first-team starter, managing just five goals in 40 League One appearances in 2023/24, four in 33 in 2024/25, and nine in 42 last season.
Reading's focus now turns to bringing in another centre-forward or two, with Jack Marriott injured and Sean Patton rumoured to be out for six to eight weeks. Manager Ruben Selles' 4-2-2-2 formation, which Ehibhatiomhan impressed in at the beginning of 2023/24, may be revisited in search of a more consistent goal-scoring threat.
AC Horsens, newly promoted to the top flight in Denmark, will be hoping that Ehibhatiomhan can now thrive in a new setting. The fee, reportedly in the region of £640,000, is expected to be paid in installments, with Reading set to agree a sell-on clause.
Ehibhatiomhan's inconsistency was a major topic of debate among Reading fans, with some questioning his positioning as a left-winger or centre-forward. Despite his frustration, he did manage a few standout performances, including a solo effort against Shrewsbury Town in 2025.
Ehibhatiomhan's departure leaves Reading with a significant gap to fill up front, but manager Ruben Selles has been quick to act in the transfer market. The Royals are now on the hunt for a new centre-forward, with the injury to Jack Marriott and the rumoured absence of Sean Patton creating an urgent need for reinforcements.
The sell-on clause is likely to provide some financial comfort for Reading, who were able to cash in on Ehibhatiomhan's inconsistent form. With the young forward now set to make his mark in Denmark, fans will be left with a sense of "what if?" as they reflect on what might have been if he had been able to consistently deliver.
Reading's next move in the transfer market will be crucial in determining their chances of success in the upcoming season. With the window still open, manager Ruben Selles will be under pressure to bring in a new striker to replace Ehibhatiomhan and provide the necessary firepower to propel the Royals up the League One table.
Source: Yahoo Sports