Outspoken Peterborough United chairman slams reported Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday target after summer transfer drama
Pompey have been linked with a move for departing Peterborough United midfielder Archie Collins.
Pompey have been credited with an interest in departing Peterborough United midfielder Archie Collins.
It’s been a quiet start to proceedings in the transfer window at Fratton Park after the shutters came up last week.
Our sister paper, The Peterborough Telegraph, reported on Wednesday that John Mousinho’s men are one of a host of clubs tracking Collins.
It is believed newly-relegated trio Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City and Oxford United are keen on the former Exeter City man, while reports earlier this summer touted Watford and Swansea City with a move.
The Taunton-born talent’s stock is firmly on the rise after another brilliant League One campaign at London Road.
But it marked the end of his three-year stay with the League One club having opted against penning a new deal 12-months ago.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony admitted Posh handed the midfielder the most lucrative player deal he’s ever offered, before the versatile midfielder turned down the fresh contract offer.
This saw placed Collins instantly on the transfer list by Peterborough, although a departure never came to fruition last summer.
Outspoken Peterborough chief explains Pompey target’s situation
And MacAnthony, at the time, aired his frustration at 26-year-old’s decision and slammed his performances during the early weeks of the campaign.
Speaking on his ‘Hard-Truths’ podcast the Posh chief said in August 2025: ‘I gave Archie an ‘out’ in the contract offer if we didn’t win promotion. But he still wouldn’t sign so he is on the transfer list.
‘No-one has made a bid for him so he needs to knuckle down and perform for us. He needs to be our best player, and so far he hasn’t been, if he wants that big money move.’
Since then, however, Collins remained an ever-present under both Darren Ferguson and Luke Williams, helping Peterborough to an 18th-placed League One finish.
After a brilliant campaign at London Road, the midfielder has been once again touted with a move higher up the football pyramid.
Pompey’s midfield options and summer targets
Pompey are on the hunt for at least one new option in the engine room this summer.
Following Andre Dozzell’s exit, Marlon Pack, Luke Le Roux and Ebou Adams are Mousinho’s sole options at present, while Mark Kosznovszky remains sidelined with a long-term knee issue.
The Blues have also been heavily linked with Hungary U21 captain Mate Tuboly and FC Volendam’s Gibson Yah, although the latter is reportedly closing in on a move to Bristol City.