Peterborough United Defender Set For Exit?

Peterborough United defender Josh Knight is reportedly in advanced talks with 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 about a move to Germany, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke via his X account.

The defender was a key component of the Posh defence that finished the League One season in the play-off places, before losing to Oxford United in the semi-finals, having played 43 times in the league for Posh this season. The German Side finished sixth in the league last season after they were relegated from the Bundesliga in the 2018/19 season.

Who Is Josh Knight?

Josh, a right-footed central defender and a product of the Leicester City Academy, earning his first professional contract at the age of 18.

The defender would only go on to make one senior appearance for the Foxes, which came in the EFL Cup where he got nine minutes against Sheffield United a game in which they won 4-1. He would also feature in the EFL Trophy with Leicester City’s U21s in their three group games, playing every minute.

In the 18/19 season, Knight would get his first taste of senior football by going on loan to Peterborough United for the first time for the second half of the season, appearing in eight of the 15 games before rejoining in the summer where he played 24 times, scoring three goals and assisted four additional strikes.

Upon returning to Leicester he was then sent out on loan to then Championship side Wycombe Wanderers. This proved a successful time for him when he won Supporters and Players Player of the Year and appeared 36 times.

In the summer of 2021, the defender permanently signed for Peterborough United, a season in which they were relegated from the Championship before appearing in two League One play-off campaigns playing 40 minutes in the dramatic game vs Sheffield Wednesday, as well as winning the EFL Trophy in the 2023/24 season.

A blow for Peterborough

While this will seem a big blow to Posh, they have an excellent recruitment strategy plucking gems from Non-League as well as academies from teams in higher division.

The deal could also be a big move for Josh, moving to Hannover. They have a 49,000-seater stadium which is one factor that could make this move extremely appealing He will also experience a new environment in a new country which could also provide an opportunity that is too much to turn down.