Peterborough United’s director Barry Fry has confirmed rumours of Chelsea‘s interest in Ronnie Edwards, with the England U19 international star looking to make the leap from the Football League to the Premier League. If the Cobham side are successful, the youngster will be just one of a raft of new signings this window.
Chelsea Show Interest in Peterborough United Defender Ronnie Edwards
Who is Ronnie Edwards?
The young Peterborough centre-back is one of the most promising young defensive talents England has to offer. Starting over 30 matches in the Championship in the 2021/22 season for the Posh, the youngster’s efforts were not quite enough to keep his side in the division.
Despite this, Edwards’ performances and maturity have put him in good stead for a move to a major Premier League side this summer.
Is the Deal At Risk?
In an interview with the Peterborough Telegraph, Posh director Barry Fry stated that: “Virtually the entire Premier League know about Ronnie and it’s interesting to see members of his England U19 team attracting attention now.
“I have had big clubs asking to be kept informed if anyone does bid for Ronnie”. Whilst this doesn’t say that Todd Boehly’s move for the youngster is in trouble, it is a worrying sign of a rival jumping in at the last minute.
With registration rules after the UK left the EU leading to a focus on domestic talent, more and more Premier League clubs are focusing on youth. Golden Boy nominee Joe Gelhardt, for example, was plucked from Wigan Athletic by Leeds United with the intent of a position in the first team. This means that a young centre-back with over 30 appearances in the second division draws the eye of big sides.
https://twitter.com/Nathan_Gissing/status/1556958500382806018?t=U-4KLD4gPbCBjHEtt65UsA&s=19
Does This Suit Chelsea’s Strategy?
Signing Edwards suits Chelsea’s strategy perfectly. This is because the Blues have always had a focus on youth. Their large academy constantly loans players out, such as Conor Gallagher and Levi Colwill, with the aim of improving them is a prominent part of the football landscape. Signing Edwards for later loans, and hopefully eventual first-team football, is perfect for the club’s strategy.
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Such a cohesive strategy is less prevalent in the first team. With interest in Wilfred Zaha and Frenkie de Jong just two of the stories around the club, greater use of the youth side is increasingly important for greater stability at Stamford Bridge in the coming years.
