Brandon Barker at Reading FC: How’s it gone so far? What issues does he face? What’s next?

Brandon Barker arrived at Championship side Reading last month, looking to move on following an unsuccessful spell at Scottish Premiership champions Rangers.

The 25-year-old left Ibrox in the latter stages of January by mutual consent – and that was fortunate for the Royals who are limited in what they can do in terms of transfers after breaching the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules.

In a side lacking depth because of these restrictions on what they could do, this arrival was a welcomed one by some, though Paul Ince’s men already have a decent number of wing options to choose from.

This is why his signature was met by a negative reaction from a section of the second-tier side’s fans, with more depth needed in defence with Baba Rahman the only orthodox senior left-back option and the club previously suffering from injuries at centre-back.

Considering Andy Carroll’s departure and Lucas Joao’s injury record as well, with George Puscas leaving the club to join Italian outfit Pisa on loan, a striker was arguably required in their quest to fight the drop.

Focusing on Barker though, we take a look at how he has fared at the Select Car Leasing Stadium thus far.

How’s it gone so far?

It hasn’t been the most successful spell for the winger so far despite efforts made outside of the transfer window to bring him in, making just two substitute appearances and not being given a sufficient chance to shine on the pitch.

The biggest chance he did get was against Nottingham Forest, coming on in the 78th minute for Junior Hoilett when the Royals were already 4-0 down, but put in a bright performance and certainly deserved another opportunity to impress.

He brought what the Berkshire club have been lacking for many years, real