Portsmouth reject and ex-Cardiff City man lands new League One deal after summer talks
Andy Rinomhota was turned down by Pompey as a youngster but is now thriving in the EFL.
Former Pompey triallist Andy Rinomhota has extended his stay with Reading.
The ex-Cams Hill School and Portsmouth College student returned to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on a short-term deal in November 2025 following his summer release from Cardiff City.
Despite Championship interest from Sheffield Wednesday, the 29-year-old opted to make an emotional return to Berkshire, where he made his career breakthrough.
Rinomhota went on to amass just three outings for Leam Richardson’s side last term in an injury-hit second spell with the Royals.
But the Zimbabwe international was offered fresh terms to extend his stay at the end of the season, with talks taking place throughout the summer.
Pompey reject pens new Reading deal
Those discussions have resulted in the former AFC Portchester talent penning a new one-year deal as Reading bid to mount a League One promotion charge next term.
Although Rinomhota’s involvement was restricted because of injury during the second half of the campaign, ex-Pompey coach and now Royals boss Richardson believes the midfielder has the qualities needed to help with their Championship push.
Speaking on the club website, he said: ‘Andy is someone we know very well and we're really pleased to see him extend his stay with the football club.
‘We've seen the standards he sets every day around the training ground and the experience he brings to the squad.
‘He understands the demands of this football club, he understands our supporters and he cares deeply about representing Reading.
‘Andy has worked extremely hard to get himself back fit and we're excited to see what he can contribute with a full pre-season behind him.
‘He brings energy, versatility and leadership to the group, and we're delighted he'll continue to be part of what we're building here.’
Andy Rinomhota and his Pompey connection
Rinomhota spent the 2013-14 campaign with AFC Portchester after being let go by Pompey after a spell on trial.
The classy operator also attended the Steve Claridge Football Foundation before signing for Reading in 2015.
He would go onto make his senior debut in 2017 and totalled 139 appearances for the Royals before his 2022 exit.
Rinomhota went on to enjoy a three-year stay at Cardiff City prior to his 2025 release and also made his senior Zimbabwe debut in November 2023.
Despite growing up in the area, the midfielder was never picked up by the Blues - although he thought he would.
Speaking in an interview with The News in 2016, he said: ‘I could have been playing for Pompey, but I wasn’t picked up so I went to Reading.
‘I was at Portchester for a good five or six years coming through the youth set-up and into the first team.
‘I always thought Portsmouth may come looking but they didn’t in the end. Thankfully I got picked up by Reading.
‘It’s worked out for me. I ended up at Reading. I’m not going to complain at that! ‘I’ll always have a soft spot for Pompey, though, and the accent will stay in me!’
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