After the conclusion of the 2025/26 EFL League One campaign Peterborough United have released their retained list.
Here are some key takeaways from the retained list:
Posh have chose to transfer list only eight players from this season’s squad which some Posh fans think is a little underwhelming. Some key names up for sale are wingers Cian Hayes and Declan Frith.
Hayes joined from Fleetwood Town back in July 2024 and has struggled to kick on in his second season at the club. Hayes has 7 goals and 8 assists in 78 games for Posh and has struggle for form since his return from injury in December.
Declan Frith is the other key name as he only joined Posh in June 2025 from FC Thun. Frith has struggled to adapt to English football with only 1 goal and 2 assists to his name. However, some Posh fans may argue that he has not been given a fair chance.
The main bit of concern for Posh from this retained list is the loss of Tom Lees and Archie Collins. It has been known that Collins would be leaving Posh since last summer after turning down a new deal.
However, losing the other experienced hand of Tom Lees is going to be a massive blow to Posh. Lees has been mr consistent since joining in August 2025.
The 35-year-old has been ever present for Posh this season and when he’s not been there Posh have struggled massively. Posh only picked up 6 points this season with one soul win over Rotherham United without Tom Lees being in the squad.
Losing Collins is also a major blow for Posh. Collins has excelled this season and asserted himself as one of the best players in League One. Archie played 45/46 League One games for Posh this season only missing on the final day.
Some of the players transfer listed were bought in the summer of 2024. One of these is George Nevett who joined in July 2024 from Rochdale. He was teed up to follow in Ronnie Edwards footsteps but has faltered massively.
Despite his good form from August-October that has been overshadowed by too many mistakes and once again it may be a case of second syndrome.
Chris Conn-Clarke, Bradley Ihionvien and Abraham Odoh all joined in the summer of 2024 and have failed to make any impact for Posh.
Conn-Clarke and Ihionvien have both been out on loan at Carlisle United and Shrewsbury Town this season. Odoh failed to impress Luke Williams and has not been near a first team squad since January.
After looking at the retained list here are some key takeaways that Posh need to address in the summer window.
Losing Tom Lees is crucial and with George Nevett looking like he is on the way out two centre backs are a must for Posh. Same goes in midfield with the loss of Archie Collins. Trying to replace a player of Collins calibre will be easier said than done and Posh probably need two new options in the middle of the park.
The final minimum Posh need to look at is two new options out wide to replace the transfer listed Cian Hayes, Abraham Odoh and Declan Frith. Alongside this if Posh were to lose New Zealand star Matt Garbett due to the Kiwi having a good World Cup an attacking midfielder would be needed.
Finally, the last position Posh need to improve is up top. It has been evident there is a lack of depth to in attacking positions. Simply put David Kamara and Pemi Aderoju just are not ready yet and a back up striker is needed.
