Peterborough United are preparing to table an offer for Accrington Stanley midfielder Ben Woods, with the 22-year-old emerging as a key transfer target for Darren Ferguson’s side.
The interest comes as part of a broader rebuild at London Road following the departures of Malik Mothersille and Kwame Poku, who combined for 24 goals in League One last season. According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon, Posh are now positioning themselves to move for one of League Two’s standout performers.
Woods has been central to Accrington Stanley’s survival efforts and is seen as a smart, high-upside target for a Peterborough side eager to improve on last season’s 18th-place finish.
Peterborough looking to avoid repeat struggles
Peterborough kicked off the new League One campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat at Cardiff City, despite Bradley Ihionvien’s opener from the penalty spot. After finishing just five points clear of the drop zone last term, Ferguson has been backed to overhaul the squad — with eight new signings brought in so far.
Notable arrivals include Declan Frith from FC Thun and former Birmingham midfielder Brandon Khela, alongside Sam Hughes, Alex Bass, David Okagbue, Klaidi Lolos, Kyrell Lisbie, and Vicente Reyes. Woods could be next.
Woods stood out in difficult season for Stanley
Signed from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2023, Woods quickly became a regular under John Doolan at Accrington. Despite the team’s lowly finish — 21st in League Two — the former Manchester United academy talent was voted the club’s Supporters’ Trust Player of the Season, having delivered match-winning moments in a struggling side.
Woods was left out of the squad entirely for Stanley’s midweek EFL Cup tie, with speculation intensifying ahead of a first-round clash against… Peterborough United.
Why Woods fits Peterborough’s model
Woods’ versatility makes him an ideal candidate for Peterborough’s high-tempo, youth-driven model. He can operate as a central midfielder, holding midfielder, left-back or wing-back — giving Ferguson multiple options.
If a move materialises, Woods would face competition from Archie Collins, Ryan De Havilland, Donay O’Brien-Brady, and Brandon Khela centrally, while Rio Adebisi and Harley Mills offer cover on the left. Still, the path to first-team football remains clear for a player of his profile and output.
The move would also continue Peterborough’s trend of signing, developing, and selling young players — a pathway that has benefited many in recent years.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 League Two (Ben Woods, Accrington Stanley):
- Appearances: 45
- Goals: 9
- Assists: 6
- Minutes played: 3,818
- Starts: 44
- Average match rating: 7.14
- Percentile rank among League Two midfielders:
- Goals scored: 92nd percentile
- Assists: 89th percentile
- Shots on target: 87th percentile
- Progressive passes: 82nd percentile
🟦 ZONE RUMOURED
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