£1m Portsmouth defender Josh Knight makes League One loan switch as Fratton Park exits ramp up

Josh Knight’s temporary Pompey exit has been confirmed.

The centre-back has joined League One outfit Reading on a season-long loan agreement.

His departure comes 12 months into a three-year deal following his £1m switch from Hannover 96 in August 2025.

However, Knight’s maiden Fratton Park campaign was heavily impacted by injury, which restricted him to just 14 Championship outings.

After picking up what appeared to be a minor back issue, scans later revealed he sustained a back fracture in December 2025, with his final outing of the season coming against Sheffield United last November.

The 28-year-old subsequently fell down John Mousinho’s pecking order at the heart of defence, with new signing Benjy Arthur making an impact since his arrival.

Despite impressing in a substitute cameo against Lincoln last Saturday, the Blues have since sanctioned a loan exit for Knight, who now joins Reading - managed by ex-Pompey assistant manager Leam Richardson - for the season.

And speaking on the decision to allow the temporary departure, Mousinho explained the switch offered the ex-Peterborough United man the ideal opportunity to seek regular minutes.

The head coach said on the Blues’ official website: ‘This move will allow Josh to go out to a strong side at that level and hopefully get some regular minutes under his belt.

‘He was unfortunate to miss a large chunk of last season with a back injury, but we know what he is capable of and I’m sure he’ll do a good job for Reading.’

Knight joins Makenzie Kirk and Jordan Williams in departing Fratton Park on loan this summer, while centre-back Ibane Bowat joined Huddersfield Town on a permanent basis.

Further exits are expected before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with the futures of Luke Le Roux, Josef Bursik, Harvey Blair and Hayden Matthews all under the spotlight.

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