Peterborough United’s rising star James Dornelly could be on the move this summer, with several high-profile suitors circling.
According to Football League World, Championship quartet West Brom, Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United are all chasing the promising full-back, while Premier League Fulham are also in the mix following a failed January bid.
James Dornelly Career So Far
Dornelly, a product of the Peterborough academy since 2013, was handed his senior debut in August 2023. After a steady start, he became Darren Ferguson’s first-choice right-back during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions.
His development has not gone unnoticed. Premier League outfit Fulham, who also have their eyes on teenage left-back Harley Mills, are said to be considering a double swoop. However, with four Championship clubs firmly interested, the competition for Dornelly’s signature is expected to be fierce.
West Brom remain without a permanent manager, but their recruitment process continues behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Coventry, Blackburn and Oxford are all looking to bolster their defensive depth ahead of a promotion push next term. The Sky Blues look an attractive option, having reached to top six under Frank Lampard, while Oxford and Blackburn would expect to be midtable next season.
Dornelly signed a new long-term deal in August 2024, keeping him at the Weston Homes Stadium until 2028. This means that any suitor will have to submit a significant offer if they hope to prise him away.
Despite Peterborough’s underwhelming 18th-place finish in League One, the club retained their reputation for developing top young talent. Kwame Poku is another asset likely to attract bids this summer, and it appears Dornelly could join the exodus as the Posh look to balance their books and reinvest.
Writer’s View
James Dornelly’s rise has come at the perfect time for both player and club. While Peterborough endured a tough season in the league, Dornelly’s emergence has given them a valuable bargaining chip in the transfer market. With a long contract in place, Posh are in a strong position to demand a sizeable fee.
For clubs like West Brom or Fulham, he represents a smart investment: homegrown, proven in senior football, and with bags of potential. Expect this one to develop quickly—especially once managerial situations stabilise across the Championship.
