Premier League clubs ‘blown away’ by Reading starlet compared to Jobe Bellingham, summer move likely

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In an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal that Reading face a real challenge to keep hold of their teenage star Andre Garcia this summer with a number of Premier League clubs keen.

Reading have endured a tough season off the pitch, with the club on the brink of extinction due to Dai Yongge’s financial issues.

On it, however, the club have been pushing for the League One play-offs all season. Going into the final day of the campaign, the Royals are outside the top six on goal difference alone, and could still achieve an unlikely promotion.

However, whether that dream is realised or not, it seems Reading will face the 2025/26 campaign without promising left-back, Andre Garcia.

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Andre Garcia can pick a Premier League club this summer

EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal thanks to information from our transfer expert Graeme Bailey that Garcia has caught the attention of a number of Premier League clubs after exploding onto the scene for Reading this season.

Bailey said: “I am told that the interest in Garcia is up there with any player in the EFL – comparable to the amount of teams watching Chris Rigg or Jobe Bellingham.

“Premier League clubs have been blown away by his maturity and the fact he has a full season under his belt at 17, is incredible.

“Promotion could see Reading keep him, but even then the feeling in football is that he will join a Premier League club this summer – he has his pick. Could he be signed and loaned back to Reading, I don’t think that option can be ruled out either.”

We are told that Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man City, Man Utd, Newcastle, Leeds, Everton, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham have all watched Garcia recently.

Over the course of the season, it is believed that there is not one Premier League club that has not sent scouts to take a look at Garcia.

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Andre Garcia’s season by numbers for Reading

Starting the campaign as a 16-year-old, Garcia has managed to immediately make an impact at Reading, and has 42 appearances to his name in all competitions.

The left-back has registered two assists, one in the league and one in the FA Cup, and has racked up an impressive 2,540 minutes across the campaign.

Garcia has just been getting better as the season has gone on. Indeed, in his last five games, the 17-year-old has managed to get forward more, registering four shots (two of which were on target), but he’s also been doing his work defensively, with five interceptions in his last five as well.

He’s committed 36 fouls this season, at an average of 1.33 per 90, but Garcia has also been fouled an average of 1.48 times per 90. The youngster has won exactly 1.00 tackles per 90.