Championship side Blackburn Rovers have reportedly accepted a seven-figure bid from Peterborough United for forward Harry Leonard.
A loan move was originally discussed between the two clubs; however, Posh are expected to now forge ahead with a permanent deal.
Leonard has been at Ewood Park since 2013 and signed his first professional contract with Rovers at the end of 2021.
As first reported by Elliot Jackson of the Lancashire Telegraph, the 21-year-old looks poised to leave his boyhood club for a spell in EFL League One.
Blackburn Rovers To Sell Academy Product
Multiple clubs were reportedly interested in taking Leonard on loan this summer, including Peterborough United.
Now he looks set to move to London Road after a bid thought to be upward of £1million came in from Darren Ferguson’s side. The deal also includes a sell-on clause, as well as further add-ons to the fee.
The impending sale represents a significant coup for Blackburn, as they are set to bank over £1million for a player who doesn’t appear to be part of Valerien Ismael’s plans.
Leonard has been training with Blackburn’s under-23 side this season and is likely to benefit from a prolonged period in the third-tier.
He has endured a torrid time with various injuries in recent years, including a serious back fracture. His bad luck has restricted him to just 36 senior appearances for Blackburn.
Leonard has scored four Championship goals in his so far disrupted career, but now has the opportunity for regular starts at a level lower.
Peterborough United To Land Championship Midfielder
It’s been an extremely difficult start to the 2025/26 season for Peterborough United, earning just one point from their opening five league matches.
They are rock bottom of League One and have toiled in front of goal. Posh have registered just three league goals so far, so it’s no surprise to see them scrambling for reinforcements.
Despite their early-season failings, their manager remains upbeat about their prospects this season. In his fourth stint at the helm at London Road, Darren Ferguson recently rallied his team publicly.
“Everyone’s doom and gloom, but we’re about eight per cent into the season with such a long way to go. I’m convinced we can still have a good season, we’ve just maybe got to suffer a bit in the short term” Ferguson speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
Despite the calm demeanour from the boss, Peterborough supporters are hoping their side finds some form fast.
As Posh prepare to spend big on a player under contract with Blackburn until 2027, there appears to be no misgivings regarding their current predicament.
How Will Leonard Fit In At Peterborough
The glaring issue at London Road right now is their inability to find the net. Their willingness to spend a substantial fee this close to the end of the transfer window is indicative of their need to strengthen up front.
They recently acquired Kladi Lolos from Bolton Wanderers, who joined the squad’s other strikers, Bradley Ihionvien and Declan Frith.
Should they complete the signing of Leonard, he would certainly provide much-needed competition for places in the Peterborough squad.
A striker previously highly rated by senior figures at Ewood Park has an exciting opportunity to reignite his career at a club yearning for a spark themselves.