Reading have completed the signing of defender Josh Knight on a season-long loan from Championship side Portsmouth. The 28-year-old centre-back, who can also cover at right-back, becomes the club's seventh summer addition as manager Leam Richardson bolsters his defensive options.
This move was reported by The Tilehurst End this week. Knight arrives as Reading prepare for their next Championship fixture, an away match against Bristol City on 29 August. The Royals currently sit 10th in the table with three points from their opening two games, having scored and conceded four goals.
Who is Josh Knight?
Josh Knight is an experienced defender who began his career in the Leicester City academy. He made just one first-team appearance for the Foxes, a nine-minute cameo in the League Cup during the 2017/18 season. His career took him on loan to Peterborough United in League One before a significant spell at Wycombe Wanderers in the 2020/21 Championship season. Knight was named Wycombe's Player of the Season that year, though the club suffered relegation.
He later joined Peterborough permanently, making 135 appearances across three seasons. During that time, Peterborough were initially in the Championship before dropping to League One, where they reached the playoffs in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns and won the Pizza Vase in the latter season. A move to German club Hannover 96 followed in summer 2024, where he played 24 times, before Portsmouth signed him for £1 million a year later. His time at Fratton Park was disrupted by injury, limiting him to just 15 appearances in the 2025/26 season.
Where does he fit in the Reading squad?
Reading manager Leam Richardson now has four main central defensive options. The primary pairing has been Paudie O'Connor and Benn Ward. This week, the club also brought in Conor Masterson on a short-term deal after his release from Gillingham, providing further competition. Academy products Boyd Beacroft, Abraham Kanu, and Philip Duah offer depth but lack significant League One experience, and some may still go out on loan.
Knight's versatility is a key asset. He played at right-back for Portsmouth during pre-season. Reading already have three players for that role: summer signing Udoka Godwin-Malife, Ashqar Ahmed, and Kelvin Abrefa. On the left side, Haydon Roberts and Jeriel Dorsett are the main options, with Paddy Lane and John Ryan also available. Richardson indicated that defensive reinforcements for this window are likely now complete. You can view the full defensive roster on the club's squad page.
What did the manager say about the signing?
Leam Richardson welcomed the new arrival with clear praise for his attributes. "Josh is a really strong addition for us and brings a lot of experience at this level and above," Richardson said. The manager also highlighted Knight's technical and leadership qualities, adding, "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."
What does this mean for Reading's transfer plans?
With the defence seemingly addressed, Reading's attention now turns decisively to the forward line. The club has yet to replace striker Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, who departed earlier in the window, and the symbolic number nine shirt remains unfilled. It is widely expected that securing a new centre-forward will be the priority before the transfer deadline closes. This need is underscored by the team's current league position; they are three points behind early leaders Millwall. Fans can track the club's progress and upcoming matches, including the Bristol City trip, on the official fixtures and standings pages.
The immediate focus, however, is on integrating Knight and preparing for the challenge at Ashton Gate against a Bristol City side currently 19th in the table.
