A whole host of Premier League clubs are circling for young Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur now throwing their hat into the ring, according to the Sun on Sunday in today’s newspaper.
Both teams join the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and even reportedly Liverpool in the race for the 20-year-old defender, the ex Barnet youngster in high demand.
After Peterborough United’s disappointing end to last season – the humiliation of Hillsborough still raw in the playoff semi final second leg – it’s no surprise to see one of their brightest talents touted with a move away from Darren Ferguson’s side.
Why Is Ronnie Edwards So Highly Rated?
Despite only being 20 years of age, the young Peterborough United defender has generated hype throughout his early career to date.
Joining Posh after captaining the Barnet U18’s, he was thrown straight into the deep end and started a handful of games at EFL level.
He would come into his own though, becoming a regular fixture in the line-up by the time Posh were playing in the Championship after promotion.
Making 34 appearances in total for his side in the second tier, he would impress individually even if Peterborough United did fall through the relegation trapdoor at the end of that campaign.
Impressing in the second tier would lead to Edwards being called up to the England U19 set-up, starting in defence when that same group won the 2022 U19 European Championship Final versus Israel.
He has since started in the age bracket above, starring for the England U20’s.
Edwards has now amassed over 80 games in a Posh shirt, a striking amount for a player still finding his way in the men’s game.
Now, it seems Edwards’ next move will be transitioning to a Premier League side – a route that has benefitted previous Posh talents when making that leap.
Previous Posh Players Who Left For Top Flight Football
Peterborough United do have a reputation for selling their top talents, Ivan Toney the obvious example that springs to mind.
The prolific goalscorer departed Posh after scoring 49 goals for the Cambridgeshire side over 94 appearances, leaving for Brentford in the Championship before Premier League football came calling after the Bees won promotion.
Ronnie Edwards will hope he can follow in the footsteps of Toney, but another example in the form of Ryan Bennett could well inspire Edwards even more.
The 33-year-old defender, who last featured for Posh’s arch rivals Cambridge United, bagged himself a move to the Premier League as a youngster when at Peterborough United – joining Norwich City in the top flight during the 2011-12 season, playing for Wolves and Leicester City also in the top tier of English football along the way.
It remains to be seen whether or not Edwards has a similarly lengthy stay in the Premier League, but a move to the top flight for the former Barnet man looks imminent according to the Sun on Sunday’s reports.
Writer’s View
It’s obvious that Edwards has a bright future in the game, you don’t fluke over 80 appearances as a 20-year-old in the rough and tumble of EFL football and not have significant talent to back it up.
Peterborough United fans will be disappointed to see another key player for them depart, but they can’t begrudge Edwards wanting to prove himself at Premier League level with the likes of Newcastle United or Spurs.
This could well develop into an intense transfer battle for his services, the 20-year-old highly sought after for good reason.
Be the first to comment