At the end of the month, Reading announced the half-season loan of Liam Driscoll to Yeovil Town and the release of David Meyler, on 30 and 31 July respectively. On 1 August, Luke Southwood moved to Hamilton Academical on loan until 5 January 2020. The following day, Reading announced the signing of Lucas Boyé on a season-long loan deal from Torino, whilst Sam Smith moved to Cambridge United on loan for the season. On 6 July, Reading won their first preseason friendly in two seasons, a 2–0 victory over Southend United at their Hogwood Training Ground, with goals coming from Michael Olise in the first half and Modou Barrow in the second half. Four days later, Reading defeated Gibraltar United 10–0 in the first game of their Spanish tour in Marbella. Danny Loader scored a hat-trick, Jordan Holsgrove and Yakou Méïté both scored braces and Andrija Novakovich, Tom McIntyre and Josh Barrett also scored. Reading's second game in Spain was against Sevilla at the Estadio Municipal Felipe del Valle in San José de la Rinconada. Reading took the lead in the 57th minute through Novakovich, before a Nolito penalty and José Lara goal game the La Liga club the victory. On 16 July Reading took part in two friendly matches, the first being a 0–0 draw against Malaga B, with the second being a 1–0 victory over Extremadura thanks to a 60th-minute Loader penalty. Reading ended their Spanish tour by playing two games on 20 July, the first being a 1–0 defeat to Lincoln City, with Granada defeating Reading by the same scoreline later in the evening. On Wednesday 24 July, Reading drew with Birmingham City in a behind-doors friendly at Hogwood Park, with the only Reading goal coming from Novakovich. Later on in the afternoon of the 24 July, Reading defeated Peterborough United 4–2, with the Reading goals coming from Tyler Blackett, Barrow, John Swift and Barrett. Reading finished their pre-season preparations by hosting Chelsea at the Madejski Stadium on 28 July. Reading took the lead through Barrett in the first half before Ross Barkley and Kenedy scored seeing Chelsea go into half time leading 2–1. Shortly into the second half Michael Morrison equalised before a quick fire double from Mason Mount saw Chelsea take a 4–2 lead. With 19 minutes to go, Sam Baldock pulled one goal back to leave the final score Reading 3–4 Chelsea.