Reading FC are on the verge of agreeing a transfer for Swansea City centre-back Ricardo Santos, sources say, as the League One club look to strengthen their defensive options during the January window.
The 30-year-old Portuguese-born defender, who joined Swansea from Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2025, has struggled for regular Championship minutes this season and is now poised for a move back to League One.
Reading and Swansea are understood to have reached an agreement on a transfer fee, with personal terms expected to follow in the coming days. If finalised, Santos would become a key addition to Reading’s back line as manager Leam Richardson looks to consolidate his side’s play-off push.
Santos, standing at nearly 2 metres tall, has significant EFL experience, having made more than 200 appearances for Bolton during a five-year spell where he also served as club captain.
Reading’s defence has shown improvement under Richardson, but injuries and a lack of depth have left the Royals seeking reinforcement at the heart of defence. Santos’ experience and physical presence are seen as assets that could help stabilise the back line in the closing stages of the season.
