Reading have taken former Portsmouth midfielder Joe Morrell on trial following his injury nightmare which has kept him out of action since January 2024.
The 28-year-old was released by Pompey following their League One triumph at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The Welsh international had missed almost the second half of that season after he endured a horrific knee injury.
He then suffered a reoccurence of the issue which required a second operation, meaning he remained without a club for the entirety of last season. However, the former Lincoln City loanee was allowed to remain at Portsmouth to continue his rehabilitation.
Discussing the situation last month, Morrell admitted he had been left close to tears:
“People are probably quite confused and think I have disappeared. Everyone forgets about you.
“I had that feeling of knowing I was going to burst into tears. I had a shower, got in the car, drove around the corner from the training ground and then I had to pull over. It was just a kind of release. I care about football so much, it has been unbelievably tough.”
Reading Offer Morrell Fresh Opportunity
Now ready to return to football, League One outfit Reading have offered the midfielder an opportunity to return to the game. Pictures emerged this afternoon showing Morrell taking to the pitch during a 0-0 draw with Gillingham, where he was introduced on the hour mark as ‘Trialist B’.
Good to see Joe Morrell back on the pitch. Hopefully he can secure himself a deal. If he can return to full fitness, Reading could land themselves a real player here.💪#Pompey #ReadingFC https://t.co/0oa8qvekWg
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) July 12, 2025
The Royals are hoping for a more stable time this season following the departure of Dai Yongge, who finally relinquised the club in May to Redwood Holdings. Head coach Noel Hunt will be keen to build on last season’s near miss, which saw them finish just outside the play-off places.
There has already been five new arrivals at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, including former Lincoln captain Paudie O’Connor on a free transfer and exciting Premier League youngsters Finley Burns and Mark O’Mahony on loan from Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively.
Writer’s View
If Joe Morrell can return to anywhere near the levels he did at Portsmouth and Lincoln, Reading will have a player that is more than capable of operating in the higher levels of League One. The midfielder was an almost ever-present in Portsmouth title winning team prior to his injury, whilst he also enjoyed an excellent loan spell at the Imps. Having represented Wales in a World Cup, this could be a real coup for the Royals and one that is relatively risk free.
