Reading FC have bolstered their midfield with the signing of 20-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder Kamari Doyle on a season-long loan, announced on August 4, 2025. The England U20 international, who joined Brighton from Southampton in January 2024, arrives as the Royals’ ninth summer addition and a direct replacement for Harvey Knibbs, who moved to Charlton Athletic. Doyle’s impressive League One record, with 11 goals and five assists across 45 appearances during loans at Exeter City and Crawley Town last season, makes him a significant coup for Reading as they aim for promotion in the 2025-26 campaign.
Doyle’s journey began at Southampton’s academy, where he won the Under-18 Premier League South in 2021-22 and made two senior appearances, including a Premier League debut against Brighton in May 2023. His 2024-25 season showcased his flair, scoring four goals in 24 games for Exeter before a standout stint at Crawley, where he netted seven goals in 21 matches despite their relegation to League Two. Reading manager Noel Hunt praised Doyle’s “technical gifts, vision, and bravery on the ball,” noting significant interest from other League One clubs like Barnsley, Luton Town, and Wycombe Wanderers.[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqjyd84jr05o)[](https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/25364716.reading-fc-confirm-loan-deal-exciting-brighton-youngster/)
Brighton’s technical director David Weir emphasized the loan’s importance for Doyle’s development, stating, “Kamari did really well last season and learned a lot. Another loan in League One suits him well.” The move reunites Doyle with former Crawley teammate Liam Fraser and fellow Brighton loanee Mark O’Mahony at Reading, fostering familiarity in Noel Hunt’s squad. Crawley’s former manager Rob Elliot lauded Doyle’s maturity and physical output, describing him as “different class” with an “exciting future.” His two-footed ability and knack for arriving in the box, likened to a No. 10, add a dynamic edge to Reading’s attack.[](https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/media-article/mu21-transfer-news-kamari-doyle-reading-august-2025)[](https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2025/8/4/24480828/reading-fc-loan-kamari-doyle-in-as-harvey-knibbs-replacement-royals)
As Reading prepare for their League One opener against Lincoln City on August 9, 2025, Doyle’s arrival signals their ambition to secure a playoff spot after narrowly missing out last season. The Royals, under new ownership with Rob Couhig, have been active in the transfer market, with Doyle’s loan leaving one spot open. His proven goal-scoring prowess and playmaking ability could prove pivotal in pushing Reading toward promotion, while his development under Hunt’s guidance will be closely monitored by Brighton’s loans manager Gordon Greer, who sees him as a future star.[](https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/25364716.reading-fc-confirm-loan-deal-exciting-brighton-youngster/)[](https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/media-article/mu21-transfer-news-kamari-doyle-reading-august-2025)
