Paddy Lane has departed Portsmouth to join League One club Reading for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 24-year-old Northern Ireland international forward netted 14 goals across 84 appearances.
The striker joined Pompey from Fleetwood Town in January 2023 and became instrumental in the club’s League One championship-winning campaign, finding the net 12 times during his debut full season.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho expressed his appreciation for Lane’s contributions, stating: “Paddy was amongst the first players to arrive when I joined Pompey and made a significant impact on the squad.
“He contributed enormously to this team’s promotion to the Championship and will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome whenever he returns to Fratton Park.
“His presence will be missed both on and off the field, but this transfer should hopefully give him the consistent first-team opportunities he merits.”
Lane began his professional career at Hyde before moving to Fleetwood Town ahead of his Portsmouth switch.
The forward made 22 Championship appearances last season, with his final goal for the Blues coming during the New Year’s Day victory over Swansea at the south coast venue.
