Bio
With his desire to play direct, short-pressing football and his willingness to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, Adrian Akande plays a professional left winger for the U’s.
A highly-rated prospect who spent his favourite years in the academies of some of England’s biggest clubs. He began his youth career with significant stints at Crystal Palace Academy until 2016 and Chelsea Academy until 2020.
In 2020, he joined the U18 side of Swansea City where he participated in the FA Youth Cup in 2 appearances until the end of the 2020/21 season.
On 19th August 2022, Akande joined Reading’s U21 side for the 2022/23 season where he played 6 appearances for the Premier League Cup.
Akande remained with Reading for the 2023/24 season where he scored 8 goals in 22 appearances, 6 goals during the Premier League 2 competition and 2 goals during the Premier League Cup.
On July 2024, Akande signed a new contract with Reading to continue playing with the U21 side where he made his debut for Reading on 13th August 2024, in a 2-2 draw against Colchester United in the EFL Cup. 24th August 2024 marked his first league appearance for Reading, playing 77 minutes in their 3-0 defeat to Wrexham.
On 30th June 2025, Akande left the club at the time his contract expired.
On 1st August 2025, the day before the new season started, Akande joined Colchester United on a two-year deal following a successful trial period. He played for the U21 side during the Premier League Cup where he scored 2 goals in 2 appearances.
Akande is currently loaned out to Braintree Town for a month.
“Everyone will be needed and called upon, and in terms of competition, it only drives the standards up higher in training.”
Adrian Akande, First Interview