Eastleigh

Eastleigh bring in Sheffield Wednesday defender Reece Johnson on loan

Eastleigh have strengthened their squad with the season-long loan signing of Sheffield Wednesday defender Reece Johnson after the 20-year-old made his Championship breakthrough last season.

by
Harry Whitfield
30 July 2026

Reece Johnson has completed a season-long loan move to Eastleigh.

Eastleigh have strengthened their defensive options ahead of the upcoming National League campaign by signing Sheffield Wednesday left-back Reece Johnson on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old arrives at the Silverlake Stadium after making his breakthrough in senior football last season, featuring 12 times in the Championship for the Owls.

Johnson made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup, scoring on his debut in a victory away at Bolton Wanderers before establishing himself in Henrik Pedersen’s side with four consecutive Championship starts between January and February.

The highly-rated defender will now look to continue his development with Matt Gray’s Spitfires.

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Excited

Johnson admitted the opportunity to gain regular first-team football was the key factor behind the move to Eastleigh.

“I’m excited to be here,” he told the club’s media channels. “It’s been a long time coming and I’m excited to get started.”

Reflecting on his breakthrough campaign with South Yorkshire outfit he added: “It was a very good experience.

“As a young player, it’s your dream to play for a club that big. I really enjoyed it.”

Platform

The defender hopes a season in the National League will provide the platform to continue his development.

“I just want a good season, playing games,” he said. “That’s all I want to do, is play games.

“I think that’s the most important thing. I think you’re happiest and at your best when you play games.”

Johnson becomes Eastleigh’s latest addition of the summer as Davis continues to reshape his squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

He follows the arrivals of experienced winger Will Randall, striker Hady Ghandour, defenders Ibrahim Bakare, Ben Drake and Nick Akoto, attacking midfielder Max Dickov and AFC Wimbledon loanee Harry Sidwell.