The former Wigan Athletic goalkeeper was a revelation between the sticks for Reading last season, but seems to be on his way.
Reading’s summer preparations could be about to take a colossal hit as it appears that their goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi could be departing the club for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal according to the player’s brother, as reported by Muscat Daily.
The 35-year-old played in every single Championship match for Reading, including all three play-off matches, and was a star performer for Jaap Stam’s side, with many Royals fans crediting Al Habsi for keeping the team in the play-offs following a string of top class goalkeeping displays.
Fulham’s Chris Martin has his penalty saved by Reading’s Ali Al-Habsi
However, it appears Al Habsi’s time in Berkshire may be coming to a close, with his brother going on record to state that Al Habsi will pen a two-year-deal with Al Hilal, with Reading’s Player of the Season set to link up with the Saudi Arabia side’s Asian Champions League squad.
The news will be a huge blow to Reading’s ambitions, as Al Habsi was very much a key member of the squad, and replacing him could represent a very expensive outlay for the club as they seek to bounce back from their play-off disappointment.
Stam has already lost one key member of his side in the shape of Danny Williams, who has joined Huddersfield Town on a free transfer, and the prospect of losing Al Habsi will also hit hard.
Reading finished third in the Championship last season but ultimately fell short in the play-off final to Huddersfield, with the Royals losing on penalties despite having a significant advantage in the shootout at a critical time in the battle.
Reading’s Ali Al Habsi celebrates their second goal
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