Peterborough United have put their asking price for striker Ricky Jade-Jones at around the £2 million mark according to the Evening Chronicle, with the 21-year-old gaining interest from Premier League sides.
It could be said that Jones has enjoyed a breakout season this year and despite being in and around the first team over the last couple of seasons, has seen a upturn in minutes which has coincided with his goalscoring form.
Playing more centrally has seemed to help the youngster, who has nine goals and four assists to his name in the third tier this season. Those are by far his best numbers for a season, and it’s unlikely that he’s finished just yet with Peterborough looking to be pitched into the League One play-offs.
With two games left to be played, there is still a slim chance that they can gain automatic promotion but they would need both Derby County and Bolton Wanderers to falter on the final day, and have a rather significant swing in goal difference. Regardless, they are unable to finish lower than fourth and will be looking to return to the second tier via the play-offs.
Jade-Jones’ performances have helped Darren Ferguson’s side get where they are and he certainly looks like a player for the future. However the immediate future may not be at the club, with the Evening Chronicle reporting that Premier League side Newcastle United are interested in the striker.
Given that Newcastle only have Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson as out-and-out proven strikers in their cohort, Jade-Jones could well have a place at the club, albeit he would be playing a supporting role. With his price tag expected to be around the £2 million mark, the potential sale would certainly help the club for the future.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony praised the striker in a recent Hard Truths Podcast, with a sale this summer looking highly likely.
“I can point to 10 games when Ricky has made a big impact on games we have won. Northampton at home is one. Without his pressing, and with Joel Randall behind him we would not have scored the goals we did and Northampton might have even nicked that game.
“Look at the points per game we accumulated when Ricky started playing as a centre forward compared to the points per game before he was a regular. We had top two form and Ricky played big parts in us winning at Derby and Blackpool and in other important games. We won those games because of the way we play.”
“Of course he should have 20 goals by now and the fans have a right to moan, but some of it has been over the top. If Posh fans don’t want him I will have clubs offering millions for him in the summer. I already have.”
Writer’s View
Although potentially not always the most clinical finisher at points, Jade-Jones should almost certainly improve with age and his pace is a major asset to any team he plays for. With offers already coming in for the youngster, it looks likely that he’ll be leaving London Road this season and for a good fee.
That fee may only increase if he displays his quality in the final couple of games and potentially even the play-offs. Helping take Posh to the Championship would certainly increase his asking price and that is something that Newcastle need to be wary of.
Darren Ferguson will want as few distractions as possible at this point of the season to give his side the best chance of promotion and the focus at the present is all about making it back to the Championship. It may well be a new look side next season though, with a number of stars wanted by teams further up the pyramid.
Senior Editor
