Reading FC are considering a move for 29-year-old full-back Cohen Bramall as they look to address a shortage of defensive options down the left flank.
Bramall, who has just been released by Portsmouth after a short stint at Fratton Park, is attracting interest from several clubs, including Reading and League Two side Colchester United. The pacey defender made 12 appearances for Pompey after joining from Rotherham United in January, but was one of five players let go at the end of the season.
His most productive spell came during his time at Rotherham, where he clocked up nearly 100 appearances across two seasons in the Championship and League One. Bramall also has history with Lincoln City, having featured in the team that reached the League One playoff final in 2021.
For Reading, the interest is timely. The Royals currently have just one natural left-back under contract—17-year-old Andre Garcia. Jeriel Dorsett has been used as cover in that position but remains out of contract, though he has been offered fresh terms as part of a wider effort to retain several senior players.
The club, now led by manager Noel Hunt, are expected to be active in the free agent market this summer as they seek to bolster a squad that fell just short of the League One play-offs.
Fairytale Move
Bramall’s move from Hednesford to Arsenal in 2017 was a fairy-tale leap from non-league football, drawing headlines for his raw pace and potential. However, despite the fanfare, he never made a first-team appearance and was released two years later. It was at Lincoln City where Bramall began to show consistency, becoming a key part of their attacking play from left-back and helping them to the playoff final, where defeat against Blackpool awaited.
His performances earned a move to Rotherham United, where he continued to impress with his speed, work rate, and delivery, but didn’t make an impact under Steve Evans, who likes his players like his dinners; a bit more robust and full.
Writer’s View
Cohen Bramall would be a smart addition for Reading, especially given the current lack of depth at left-back. His experience in both League One and the Championship offers valuable balance to a youthful squad, and he’d bring the sort of pace and energy that could suit Noel Hunt’s system.
He’s perfect for a 3-5-2, operating as an attacking left wing back, but not so much a 4-4-2, where defense is the major focus.
