This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Reading have taken former West Bromwich Albion winger Kyle Edwards on trial and he appeared in the club's pre-season friendly against Lincoln City last weekend, according to Berkshire Live.

Edwards, 23, was released by the Baggies this summer after coming through their youth system and made just five appearances in the Premier League last season, perhaps the reason why he was let go by the West Brom hierarchy when their retained list was announced in May.

According to the Football Insider, former Scottish Premiership champions Celtic were said to have opened talks with the winger, but this move could now be out of the question with Edwards on trial with the Royals and playing over 50 minutes of their friendly against Michael Appleton's side on Saturday.

 

 

The Berkshire side have also been linked with fellow wingers Yannick Bolasie and Junior Hoilett in the last week - but how do our writers feel about the potential arrival of the 23-year-old?

Is he a good signing? Someone they need? We asked three of our FLW writers on this subject.

Jacob Potter

I think this would be a smart bit of business by the Royals if they land his signature.

Edwards has experience of playing in the Championship already, having featured for West Brom in the past.

He's still only 23, and is likely to have his best years ahead of him, especially if the early stages of his career are anything to go by.

Reading certainly need additional options out wide, with Yakou Meite being ruled out of action for the foreseeable future through injury.

It's a smart move by Reading to take Edwards on trial first, as they'll be able to cast their eye over him, before making a decision on whether to make this temporary move a permanent one.

It should be a no-brainer for the Royals to sign him permanently.

Jordan Rushworth

This seems like a very sensible approach from Reading to make to this potential transfer with Kyle Edwards - a player that has quality for sure but needs to show people that he can perform on a consistent basis.

Therefore, taking a look at him in a trial period before making a move is the best approach the Royals could have taken here.

Edwards is at the stage in his career where he has to be playing matches regularly and he was not going to get that at West Brom.

Reading have less quality on paper in his position and therefore you would expect him to have a better chance to make an impact with the Royals.

It should not be forgotten that he played an important role in the Baggies’ 2019/20 promotion campaign. That season was the first glimpse that the 23-year-old was able to show that he could be an asset for a side in the English second tier.

Reading will now get the chance during his trial to see if he has the quality they need in their squad.

Given he is available on a free transfer you would have to say it is a signing that could be worthwhile for Reading to make if he impresses during his trial period.

It would be a low-risk addition that might even pay off handsomely for them in the future.

George Harbey

I think this would be a good signing.

Reading obviously need to be in the market for a couple of attacking reinforcements this summer, especially with Michael Olise leaving the club for Crystal Palace last week.

Edwards may not be as exciting as Olise is, but for me, he’s always deserved more of a chance to impress and he was never really given that at West Brom.

He is a skilful, tricky winger to play against and he possesses quality in the final third, and maybe he just needs a fresh start and full season of regular football to see him get more goals and assists.

On a free transfer, it’s definitely worth a shout as Reading aren’t really renowned for having bucket loads to spend in the transfer market.