Kwame Poku made his Ghana debut in 2021 against Sao Tome and Principe at the age of 19 after impressing enough in his exploits for Colchester United in League Two.
It was not only Charles Akonnor that the midfielder caught the eye of with the standard of his play in the fourth tier.
"Poku is a very exciting talent"
New Peterborough signing Kwame Poku has arrived for a 'substantial six-figure fee'
👉 https://t.co/aY0FtMUQYv pic.twitter.com/7CynAFMxpI
— BBC Cambs Sport (@BBCCambsSport) August 2, 2021
Peterborough United snapped up the services of Poku for a six-figure fee for their campaign in the Championship. The Posh have recruited extremely well from the lower tiers of English football and the club will be hopeful that the trend continues with Poku.
The Ghana international made 75 appearances in all competitions in two years at Colchester, scoring six goals. He is a player that has the potential to become a standout star for the Posh in the second tier, but he will need to hit the ground running. Peterborough are one of the leading contenders in the EFL Championship betting odds to be relegated back to League One just one year removed from their promotion.
Darren Ferguson’s men began their campaign poorly with a defeat at the hands of Luton on the road, suffering a 3-0 loss. Peterborough has been dismissed without much of a fight in their last two experiences in the second tier, and Ferguson will be determined to avoid a similar experience in their latest run. Poku could play a role in notching the goals and the assists that the Posh will require to remain in the second tier.
He has the burst and skill necessary to become a real asset in the final third. Poku has a strong left foot that will complement the players around him. Ferguson has a good history of developing talent, and the 20-year-old should thrive under his new manager at the club level. The midfielder may have to wait for first-team opportunities, but he needn’t look far for examples of how he can flourish in the future.
Siriki Dembele made 36 appearances and scored four goals for Grimsby in League Two before he made the move to London Road. Under Ferguson, he became a key cog for the Posh in their drive for the Championship.
In the last term, Dembele operated at the peak of his powers, notching 11 goals in 42 matches in League One, supporting the efforts of Jonson Clarke-Harris through the middle.
Dembele has been one of the many success stories that Peterborough has created by buying from the lower leagues and turning those purchases into foundational pieces in their ranks. He could end up securing a massive transfer fee in the process, with a number of clubs circling for his signature.
Joe Ward is another prime example of a player, whose work ethic and quality was spotted by the Posh, this time in the National League. Over three years, Ward was one of the most reliable players in the Peterborough line-up and now has the chance to showcase his ability in the Championship. Ward epitomized not the only talent, but his dedication allowed him slowly to improve.
These are lessons that Poku will need to learn at London Road. It might not happen immediately for him in the ranks, and due to the issues that the Posh may face in the Championship, it might not be the best time for him to find his feet.
If he does then Peterborough will have a quality player on their hands sooner than expected. If not, then there is plenty of time to develop and learn his craft.