Portsmouth have secured the services of centre-back Josh Knight from German side Hannover 96 for an undisclosed sum, pending international clearance. The 27-year-old defender has penned a three-year contract at Fratton Park.
Knight, who previously featured for Leicester City and Peterborough United, brings valuable experience to Pompey’s defensive line-up.
Manager John Mousinho expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition: “We’re delighted to strengthen our defensive ranks with a player we’ve been tracking for a long time.
“I remember him being absolutely outstanding for Peterborough in the season we won promotion from League One and I felt they were unlucky not to go up with us.
“He was a shining light and really caught our eye, earning a deserved move to Germany off the back of his performances.
“We’re bringing in a player who possesses plenty of experience – including at Championship level – and has a lot of the qualities that we look for in a centre-half.”
The defender came through Leicester’s youth system, making his senior bow in a 2017 Carabao Cup clash against Sheffield United.
Knight honed his craft during loan stints at Peterborough and Wycombe Wanderers, earning ‘Player of the Season’ accolades at Adams Park.
Peterborough secured his permanent signature in summer 2021, where he netted eight times across 135 matches.
The centre-back featured for the full duration at Wembley when Posh dramatically defeated Wycombe to claim the EFL Trophy in 2024.
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Following that campaign, Knight departed London Road for Hannover 96 in Germany’s second division.
The defender contributed three goals in 24 appearances during his sole season in Germany, helping his side achieve a ninth-placed finish before opting to return to English football.