Peterborough United are gearing up for an ambitious 2025/26 League One campaign, blending their tradition of nurturing young talent with a push for promotion. Under manager Darren Ferguson, the Posh face potential departures of key players, including goalkeepers Nicholas Bilokapic and Jed Steer, as well as Kwame Poku, Hector Kyprianou, and Ricky-Jade Jones. To maintain their competitive edge, Peterborough must strategically reinforce their squad. This article highlights realistic transfer targets under 25 to address critical gaps while aligning with the club’s youth-focused model.
Current Squad Overview for 2025/26
Peterborough’s squad is youthful and talented but lacks depth and experience in key areas. Here’s a positional breakdown:
- Goalkeepers: Will Blackmore (23) is the only goalkeeper likely to remain, with Bilokapic (22) and Steer (32) expected to depart. Blackmore’s limited senior experience necessitates a new first-choice goalkeeper.
- Defenders: Carl Johnston (23), Rio Adebisi (24), Oscar Wallin (24), George Nevett (19), James Dornelly (20), Harley Mills (19), Emmanuel Fernandez (23), and Lucca Mendonca (17) form a solid unit. However, Fernandez’s potential exit and the inexperience of younger players like Nevett, Mills, and Mendonca highlight the need for a reliable centre-back.
- Midfielders: Archie Collins (25), Ryan De Havilland (24), Chris Conn-Clarke (24), Donay O’Brien-Brady (21), Tyler Young (18), and Ma’kel Bogle-Campbell (19) provide creativity and energy. The likely exits of Kyprianou and Poku would leave gaps in central and attacking midfield.
- Forwards: Malik Mothersille (24), Abraham Odoh (24), Cian Hayes (22), Gustav Lindgren (20), David Kamara (19), and Bolu Shofowoke (16) offer attacking options, but Jones’s potential departure and a lack of proven goal-scorers underscore the need for a clinical striker.
Key Areas of Need
- Goalkeeper: A first-choice goalkeeper to replace Bilokapic and Steer, with Blackmore as backup.
- Centre-Back: A composed defender to strengthen the backline, especially if Fernandez leaves.
- Central/Attacking Midfielder: A dynamic midfielder to fill voids left by Kyprianou or Poku.
- Striker: A prolific forward to lead the line and boost goal output.
Transfer Targets Under 25 for 2025/26
Goalkeeper: Josh Keeley (22, Leyton Orient, on loan from Tottenham)
- Profile: A 6’3” Republic of Ireland U21 international, Keeley has impressed at Leyton Orient with his shot-stopping, aerial dominance, and distribution. His modern goalkeeping style suits Peterborough’s possession-based system.
- Why Posh?: With little chance of breaking into Tottenham’s first team, Keeley could be available for a permanent move or another loan. Peterborough’s track record of developing young talent makes them an attractive destination.
- Estimated Cost: Loan or £700,000–£1m permanent transfer.
- Fit: Keeley would become the No. 1 goalkeeper, offering stability and resale potential.
Centre-Back: Elkan Baggott (22, Blackpool, on loan from Ipswich Town)
- Profile: At 6’5”, Baggott combines physicality with ball-playing ability, excelling during loans at Gillingham and Blackpool. His aerial prowess and composure make him ideal for League One.
- Why Posh?: Ipswich’s Premier League status may limit Baggott’s game time, making a permanent move to Peterborough appealing. The Posh’s defensive setup would benefit from his experience.
- Estimated Cost: £800,000–£1.5m.
- Fit: Baggott would partner Wallin or Nevett, adding leadership while allowing younger players like Mendonca to develop.
Central Midfielder: Lewis Fiorini (23, Dundee United, on loan from Stockport County)
- Profile: A Scotland U21 international, Fiorini is a versatile midfielder with a strong passing range and goal-scoring ability. His performances at Lincoln City and Stockport highlight his League One quality.
- Why Posh?: With Stockport likely in the Championship, Fiorini could be available permanently. Peterborough’s history of nurturing midfielders (e.g., Jack Taylor) aligns with his career goals.
- Estimated Cost: £600,000–£1m.
- Fit: Fiorini’s energy and creativity would complement Collins and De Havilland, filling the gap left by a potential Kyprianou exit.
Striker: Aaron Connolly (25, Millwall)
- Profile: A former Brighton and Republic of Ireland striker, Connolly has struggled for form at Sunderland and Millwall in the Championship but previously showcased pace, movement, and clinical finishing. At 25, he’s a strong target for League One.
- Why Posh?: Limited game time at Millwall could make Peterborough’s attacking system and history of developing forwards (e.g., Ivan Toney) appealing for regular football.
- Estimated Cost: £800,000–£1.5m.
- Fit: Connolly would lead the line, forming a potent partnership with Mothersille or Hayes and boosting the team’s goal tally.
Attacking Midfielder/Winger: Callum Marshall (20, Huddersfield Town, on loan from West Ham)
- Profile: A Northern Ireland international, Marshall is a versatile forward who can play as a winger or No. 10. His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability have shone during loans at West Brom and Huddersfield.
- Why Posh?: With West Ham’s attacking depth, Marshall may be available for a permanent move or another loan. Peterborough’s attacking philosophy and success with wingers (e.g., Ephron Mason-Clark) make them a suitable destination.
- Estimated Cost: Loan or £800,000–£1.2m permanent transfer.
- Fit: Marshall would add flair and goals from the wings or attacking midfield, complementing Odoh and Conn-Clarke.
How These Signings Fit the Squad
- Goalkeeper: Keeley would solidify the No. 1 spot, with Blackmore as a reliable backup, ensuring stability.
- Defence: Baggott would anchor the backline alongside Wallin or Nevett, providing experience while younger players like Mendonca and Mills develop.
- Midfield: Fiorini’s versatility would maintain balance, supporting Collins’ work rate and Conn-Clarke’s creativity.
- Attack: Connolly and Marshall would transform the forward line, adding goals and dynamism alongside Mothersille, Hayes, and Lindgren. Young prospects like Kamara and Shofowoke could learn from their experience.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
Peterborough United’s transfer model focuses on signing young, high-potential players for development and future profit, as seen with Ivan Toney and Sammie Szmodics. The proposed targets—Keeley, Baggott, Fiorini, Connolly, and Marshall—are realistic for League One, with a combined estimated cost of £3.4m–£6m (assuming a mix of loans and permanent deals). Funds from the potential sales of Kyprianou, Poku, and Jones could finance these moves, while the club’s scouting network provides an edge in securing talent ahead of rivals. Targeting players with League One or Championship experience minimizes risk while ensuring immediate impact.
Conclusion
Peterborough United’s 2025/26 season offers a chance to build a squad capable of challenging for League One promotion while staying true to their youth-focused philosophy. By targeting Josh Keeley, Elkan Baggott, Lewis Fiorini, Aaron Connolly, and Callum Marshall, the Posh can address critical squad needs with realistic, high-potential players under 25. Under Ferguson’s tactical guidance and backed by ambitious ownership, these signings could propel Peterborough to the top of the league and reinforce their status as a breeding ground for future stars.
Note: Transfer fees and availability are speculative based on market trends and player profiles as of April 2025. Peterborough United’s final targets will depend on budget, outgoing transfers, and competition from other clubs.
