Defender who had Portsmouth admirers quits Peterborough United ahead of move abroad

Peterborough United defender Josh Knight has announced he will be departing the League One club next month once his contract his expired.

The 26-year-old posted a message to the club’s fans on his social media pages on Tuesday morning and while he did not confirm where he would be headed, there has been plenty of transfer speculation indicating that he will be moving to the German Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96.

The defender’s Posh contract expires at the end of June and despite attempts from the club’s board to offer the ex-Leicester City man an extension, with an improved deal reportedly shown to him just days ago, Knight will be seeking a new adventure elsewhere.

On his social media, Knight said: “‘After three wonderful years at Peterborough United my time at the club has come to an end. I would like to thank the manager, the coaches and my teammates for helping me become the player I am today.

“Posh fans you’ve stuck by me through the good times and the bad. We’ve made a lot of great memories together from scoring my first senior goal against Sunderland, the big local derby win at home, and most importantly, making a childhood dream come true by winning at Wembley. It’s been an honour Posh. I wish you all the best for the future.”

Beginning his career with Leicester City, Knight made his Foxes debut in a Football League Cup match in 2017 but spent the majority of his time away on loan with the Posh and Wycombe Wanderers. Pompey were even linked with a potential move for the defender back in 2020 with then-manager Kenny Jackett looking to improve the club’s defensive options but, despite being the recipient of much admiration from Fratton Park, the move evidently did not take place

Knight then made the permanent move to the Western Homes Stadium in 2021 and he has gone on to make 169 appearances for the Posh, scoring 11 goals.

The News reported last month that Bundesliga side Werder Bremen had been linked with a move for the well-respected Posh figure but the most recent indications suggest that Hannover - who finished sixth in Bundesliga 2 last campaign - will be the winners for Knight’s signature.