Alexandre Mattos’ Expected Move To Berkshire Falls Through

Alexandre Mattos’ expected move to take up the position as Executive Director of Reading has fallen through, with the issue of getting a work visa being one of the main reasons why the Brazilian has reversed his decision to come to England.

He was expected was expected to join the Royals almost immediately after agreeing a deal with the Royals back in January, before returning to Brazilian club Cruzeiro in a voluntary capacity temporarily.

However, issues surrounding a work visa, and the outbreak of the Coronavirus, has forced Mattos to reconsider.

In an report by UOL (via Sport Witness), the 43-year-old stated:

“As known by the sports media, I was invited to be the executive director of Reading Football Club, from England.

“The moment I got the invitation, I started taking care of all the bureaucratic part to get the work visa, but several factors have delayed the process causing the lack of definition of the time for obtaining the permission.

“In addition, the Coronavirus creates more difficulty in the whole process.

“In view of important sports decisions that need to be made and that would be my responsibility, without causing any harm to the investor and Reading.

“I need to leave the club and its owner entirely free so that the decision can be made to seek another professional on the market immediately.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank them for the interest in my work and tell the people who made me this honourable invitation that I will always be available, and already hoping that everything works out for Reading.”

It was thought that Mattos played a role in the January signing of midfielder Felipe Araruna, and was expected to start a Brazilian revolution at the Madejski Stadium judging by the the other players we have recently been linked to, including 21-year-old Igor Liziero.

Despite the potential links that Mattos has, the Executive Director was a largely unknown figure to Reading fans and the move falling through may not upset supporters too much.

It would be handy to have someone else upstairs at the club though, especially with the departures of Gianluca Nani during the Ron Gourlay era and Mark Bowen moving in to the manager’s role after Jose Gomes’ departure last year.

Let’s hope Nigel Howe isn’t getting too lonely in the boardroom.

Despite his potential loneliness, it’s likely that the Berkshire side will now look for a replacement. Whatever happens, it will be interesting to see how much involvement Kia Joorabchian has if the club does go ahead and secure a replacement.

Steve Coppell for Director of Football? Him and Howe seem like the dream team. Or would you like the club to appoint someone else like Mattos with no obvious links to the club?

In terms of Mattos and where his future lies, it has been reported that he will now join top tier Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. Good luck to him!

If Felipe Araruna becomes a club legend at the Madejski Stadium, he may be the person we have to thank.