Peterborough United lost their most valuable asset two weeks ago. Archie Collins was seen by many Posh fans as irreplaceable but after leaving the club at the end of his contract, its something Posh fans will have to get used too.
So here are five names that could replace the 26-year-old.
The first player that Posh should be looking at is 22-year-old Cameron Humphreys. The young starlet broke out in Ipswich’s League One promotion campaign in 2022/23; however, he has struggled to break back into the Tractor Boys side since their remarkable rise to the Premier League.
Humphreys has had successful loan spells at fellow League One sides Wycombe Wanderers and Huddersfield Town, where he ironically scored a late winner for the Terriers versus Posh in January.
The question everyone will be asking is how does he compare to Collins?
Humphreys scored the same number of goals as but took 24 games less to do so. Collins has significantly won more aerial duels at 87% comparing to Humphreys 52%.
Humphreys is more progressive and attacking than Collins as seen in his time at Wycombe
Another question on fans’ minds would be: can he do the defensive duties that Collins mastered in his time at Posh?
The 22-year-old can play in all roles across the midfield, which may benefit Posh, but will he have a strong enough central midfield partner alongside him?
Both Ben Woods and Brandon Khela have shown glimpses of quality but lack consistency.
The next option that Posh could explore is more of an experienced option that would not go down well with Cambridge United fans.
Luke Berry has solidified himself as a solid Championship footballer, succeeding at Luton Town and Charlton Athletic.
The 33-year-old has just been released by the Addicks and would be an experienced signing that the club need.
Posh have lost all of their experienced heads in Tom Lees and Collins, with no clear leader present. Berry would be the perfect option for Posh to develop and mentor Khela. This would also benefit Woods who could learn a thing or two from him.
Berry is a lot more creative than Collins with eight goals and five assists in the Addicks promotion winning campaign back in 2024/25.
The only thing hindering this move is the fact that Cambridge United are interested in reuniting with their former starlet, having had history at the club.
The next name that would suit Posh’s transfer strategy a lot more is Liam Thompson of Derby County.
The 24-year-old Rams academy product has shone when playing in League One; however, this season in the Championship, he has struggled for game time, only starting 11 times for John Eustace’s side.
Thompson has played against Posh on several occasions and really impressed in Derby’s 4-2 win over Posh back in August 2023.
The midfielder has all the attributes to be a top-end League One player, and his ability to drive forward with the ball could really help Woods flourish.
Thompson has played a disappointing 18 minutes since January and has only been named in the Rams squad five times, which could be a concern.
One of Collins’ best attributes was his ability to play consistently without injury, and if Thompson cannot match that, is he the right man for the job?
Next on the agenda is 21-year-old Tom Iorpenda who is currently on loan at Notts County from Huddersfield Town.
Iorpenda has had a breakout season for the Magpies, scoring three times and assisting seven making him the perfect Posh summer transfer signing as he fits all of their transfer demographic.
The youngster has been superb at Notts County this season, and has the stats to back it up. He has won 92% of his aerial duels and 96% of his defensive contributions, which is astonishing.
The last time Iorpenda did not start was on the 22nd of November, which puts into perspective how crucial he has been for the Magpies’ success this season. The star also has tremendous versatility, being able to play in the six or the 10.
This links back to my point of having a player who can play consistently just like Collins did during his Posh tenure
The only thing stopping this transfer is the reality that the Terriers have lost Cameron Humphreys and may want to utilise Iorpenda’s talents.
The final player that I suggest Posh could look at is Salford City‘s Josh Austerfield.
Austerfield has had a superb season for the Ammies, playing a starring role and part of the reason why they are in a League Two Play-Off final.
The 24-year-old controlling midfielder is very similar to Collins in how he plays with two goals and three assists this season.
Just like Iorpenda, his stats out of possession are outstanding, winning 91% of his aerial duels and 88% of his defensive contributions. Alongside this, he has won 54% of his duels and has a 68% pass success rate.
Austerfield has started every game since the 5th February once again proving he can play consistently which Posh struggled so much with this season.
His ability to control a game will allow Woods to be more attacking, which he did so well at Accrington Stanley.
