KWAME Poku has left Colchester United and signed for Championship new boys Peterborough United on a four-year contract.

The 19-year-old has not featured in any of the U's last three friendlies against Wealdstone, Ipswich Town and Gillingham as he has been one of several Colchester players who have been self isolating.

And now he has sealed a switch away from Colchester, ahead of the new 2021-22 campaign.

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has announced on Instagram that Poku has joined them for a 'substantial six-figure fee'.

Poku, who celebrates his 20th birthday next week, made 50 league starts for Colchester since making his senior debut for them in September, 2019.

The Ghana international, who had a year remaining on his contract at the JobServe Community Stadium, made a total of 75 league and cup appearances for the U's after making his senior debut for them in a Football League Trophy match at Gillingham.

Speaking to the U's website, Poku said: "I really enjoyed it at the club, and I wish them nothing but good luck for the future."

Poku will link up with former U's trio Sammie Szmodics, Frankie Kent and Jack Marriott at Posh, as they bid to build on their promotion from League One, last season.

U's Director of Football Tony Humes told the club's website: "Kwame is a player with enormous potential and we didn't want to lose him.

"But the deal was right for all three parties, Kwame, us and Peterborough, and when that happens, you can't stand in the way of a young player's path to a higher level.

"We all hope he enjoys the success that Sammie and Frankie have enjoyed in their time with Peterborough and wish him the best of luck."

Meanwhile, U's head coach Hayden Mullins says he has been happy to give Colchester's young players a chance to shine in pre-season.

The likes of Sam Cornish, Samson Tovide, Harry Beadle and Donnell Thomas (pictured below) have all featured regularly for the U's in their friendlies, ahead of the new League Two campaign.

Gazette:

“There’s an opportunity there for them to impress," added Mullins.

“That’s what pre-season is for.

“That’s how I earned my first start as a senior professional at Crystal Palace.

“I was with the first team in pre-season, on the bench, I was chucked in and given a chance at Gillingham when someone got injured and I took my chance and didn’t look back.

“That’s exactly what pre-season is for; it’s for looking at different bits, different ideas, different players and it’s a chance for everyone to stake their claim.

“There’s nothing set in stone yet and if someone has a really good pre-season and shows us what they can do and earn the right to start in the first team, then they start in the first team.

“This club has shown that irrelevant of their age, they’re given a chance if they’re good enough which is brilliant.

“It’s a real clean slate for everyone, young lads included.

“They’ll be given a chance and if they take it and stake their claim and stay in the team, then so be it."