Reading FC make signing number 7 of the summer
Defender Josh Knight has joined a season-long loan
Last updated 28th Aug 2026
Reading football club has signed another new player.
Defender Josh Knight has joined on a season-long loan from Championship side Portsmouth, bolstering the club's defensive unit for the 2026/27 League One campaign.
At 28, the Leicester City Academy graduate has extensive experience in the third tier, particularly with Peterborough United where he made more than 150 appearances over three spells.
An EFL Trophy winner with Posh, Knight was named Wycombe Wanderers Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2021 while on loan at Adams Park, the Chairboys’ only campaign to date at second tier level.
Moving to Germany with Hannover in 2024, Josh returned to English football last year, signing a three-year deal at Fratton Park.
He made 15 appearances for Pompey last season and featured off the bench during their victory at Lincoln City last weekend.
Strong
Leam Richardson said: “Josh is a really strong addition for us and brings a lot of experience at this level and above.
“He’s a good defender first and foremost, but he’s also comfortable on the ball and gives us another real leader within the group.
“He knows this league inside out, he’s had success in it before and he’s coming to us fit and ready to go, having been involved with Portsmouth already this season.
“We’ve spoken a lot about adding the right characters as well as quality to the squad, and Josh certainly fits that. He’s at a good age, he’s hungry to play football and we’re really pleased to have him with us for the season.”