One of the most significant transfer deals that will affect Peterborough United will be the decision to sell Conor Washington. Many clubs are rumoured to be interested, including Reading, QPR and Wolves who form just three of the plethora of clubs interested in Washington’s signature. Just how far would Posh suffer or gain from his departure?
First of all, Posh would be losing their top scorer of 15 goals in 30 appearances so far this season. Even the next two highest scorers of Marcus Maddison and Lee Angol (both with seven goals apiece) cannot match Washington’s total. There’s a reason that Posh still remain the country’s highest scorers in the league, and that is because of Washington’s free flowing goal-scoring. Goals win games, and Washington’s have been vital in Posh’s recent success in both League and Cup. Can Peterborough really afford to let their top striker go mid-season? Absolutely not. There really isn’t a replacement for someone in the same form of Washington, especially with the measly £2m price tag that has been touted. Of course, Washington isn’t worth £80m, but to try and find another striker who is scoring goals for £2m would be a struggle for Darragh MacAnthony.
Darragh MacAnthony has revealed in-form striker Conor Washington has been the subject of ‘multiple’ seven-figure bids ahead of today’s game.
— BBC Cambs Sport (@BBCCambsSport) January 9, 2016
There does seem to be a running theme at Posh. Names such as Dwight Gayle, Britt Assombalonga and George Boyd spring to mind; all players that used to play a critical role at Peterborough, before being shipped out to move onto bigger, better things. Arguably, there is a limit to how far the manager or the chairman should be blamed. After all, Posh have been circling around the Championship and League One, which is hardly where top players wish to stay. Players want to develop themselves, and Premier League standard players such as Boyd and Gayle have proven that they are capable of such standards. Consequently, as the better players leave, Peterborough as a club tends to pick up the blow. Maybe it meant relegation from the Championship, or a loss of form in League One. Losing a key player damages a club such as Peterborough, who haven’t got the multi-million – or even billion – pound backing that Premier League clubs have to buy replacements. This is why it is critical that Peterborough do not sell Conor Washington at any cost. It’s not just Washington, but keeping hold of good youngsters too. Washington is only 23 years old and would be able to compete well in the Championship, providing Peterborough can reach promotion. Keeping a player of his calibre will also encourage other quality players to link up with him.
Washington’s bids have all been from Championship clubs so far, which is naturally a step up from League One, but could Washington be playing in that league with Posh next season? It’s too early to absolutely guarantee promotion. However, Peterborough are playing good football and look very good value for their points haul so far. There is a good chance that Posh can make it this season, providing there are no slip-ups like during the last campaign. If Washington stays at the club post-January, he could be in the running for hitting 25 goals or more – goals that may bring his team to the Championship where they belong.
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