League One outfit Peterborough United are chasing Accrington Stanley’s Ben Woods, according to Football Insider.
The 22-year-old scored nine goals and provided six assists in 36 League Two games for relegation-threatened Accrington Stanley last season.
These numbers have caught the attention of third-tier side Peterborough, who have opened preliminary talks and will be looking to improve on their disappointing 18th-placed finish last season.
A Shining Light in a Relegation-Threatened Side
Woods finished as Accrington’s joint-highest goal scorer last season, with Shaun Whalley, despite operating most of the season as a defensive midfielder. The versatile man also played at left-midfield, as well as a left-back at points, last season.
His side were fighting relegation for the majority of the season, but eventually finished two places and eight points above 23rd-placed Carlisle United, who have joined Morecambe in the National League next season.
The Englishman is contracted at the Wham Stadium until 2027, after signing a two-year contract extension in January. He joined the club on a free transfer after leaving Scottish outfit Inverness Caledonian Thistle, where he spent half a season.
The 22-year-old came through both the Manchester United and Burnley academies before leaving the Clarets in 2022.
Peterborough United’s Rebuild
After the shock of finishing 18th last season, it was clear to all that the Posh needed a clear-out and a rebuild if they wanted to push on after such a dismal season. However, despite a rebuild, it still seems like the club are sticking to their usual transfer plans of buying young talent.
21-year-old striker Kyrell Lisbie from non-league side Braintree Town and 23-year-old winger Declen Frith from Swiss side FC Thun have both joined the club for undisclosed fees in the window so far, suggesting their policy has remained the same despite only surviving relegation by five points and three places last season.
Six players have departed the Weston Holmes Stadium, including key players like Hector Kyprianou, who has joined Championship side Watford, and striker Ricky Jade-Jones, who has opted for a move to Germany.
It looks like young midfielder Woods is the next target on the Posh’s list; however, it would take a fee to prize him away, with two years remaining on his Accrington contract.
Cash In or Keep a Crucial Player?
There’s no doubt that Accrington aren’t the wealthiest club in the world, with the side having one of League Two’s lowest budgets. It was revealed last season that the club closed their academy down due to financial challenges, meaning cashing in on Woods may seem attractive.
However, if John Doolan and his staff don’t get their business right in this window, it could have crucial consequences, as losing one of your top scorers is never easy. Woods will certainly leave big boots to fill in the midfield, but his price tag could potentially mean the ‘Owd Reds could strengthen in other positions and multiple positions on the pitch.
Writer’s View
It’s no shock to see Woods gather some interest from the third-tier; his season at Accrington last season was overlooked by many, especially as a midfielder. He played a crucial role in keeping the side up, and could now be sold on to generate more funds for the squad.
However, Doolan’s side might find themselves in trouble next season if he can not replace the 22-year-old and strengthen in key areas, with the side coming closer than they would have liked to relegation last season.
