According to Elliott Jackson, Blackburn Rovers Reporter at Lancashire Telegraph. Blackburn Rovers have agreed to a surprise exit for Academy Graduate, Harry Leonard to join League One team, Peterborough United for a reported £1 million fee with add ons and sell on clause agreed.
Harry Leonard, a 21-year-old centre forward, has struggled with injuries including a dislocated shoulder and back surgery over the past 18 months, causing him to lose his spot under coach Valerian Ismael. Blackburn chose to accept Peterborough’s offer for Leonard, rather than loan him out for fitness and playing time.
Harry Leonard signed his first professional contract with Blackburn Rovers on 8th December 2021 after being a youth product since the age of nine years old. He has made thirty-six appearances in all competitions and scored five goals and two assists for the club. Peterborough’s decision regarding Harry Leonard involves some risk due to his previous injury concerns.
However, if he remains healthy, Leonard has the potential to make a significant contribution to the Peterborough United team, who have started their League One season with one draw and five losses. He is an incredibly gifted individual with an eye for the goal when required, excellent at holding possession and a team player. Leonard’s last goal contribution was a last-minute goal in the 90th minute of the game against Sunderland to ensure a point at Ewood Park on 26th December 2024.
It would not be surprising to assume that Leonard has spoken to Sammie Szmodics about Peterborough and its aspirations as a club to develop players. Szmodics joined Blackburn from Peterborough for an undisclosed fee on 1st August 2022 before moving onto Ipswich Town on 16th August 2024 after a breakaway season of being close to the drop to League One and the top Championship scorer in the 23/24 Season. I wish nothing more than the best for Harry Leonard. It is tough to leave your longtime club, but I am sure he will excel in League One.
