Kwame Poku has Peterborough United ‘worried’ as he weighs up his next move amid Rangers interest

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Birmingham City target Kwame Poku is assessing his options ahead of leaving Peterborough United, and EFL Analysis can reveal why his current club are ‘worried’ about his next decision.

Birmingham City fans are excited about the upcoming summer transfer window. After shattering the EFL points record in League One, co-owner Tom Wagner is plotting their journey to the Premier League in 2025/26.

The Blues are planning an ‘aggressive’ transfer window, with manager Chris Davies being supplied the funds to assemble a star-studded squad.

Phil Neumann became Birmingham’s first signing of the summer after agreeing a contract in the January transfer window, and now, attention has turned to bolstering their attack.

Birmingham have been linked with former winger Demarai Gray, whose ‘staggering’ wages pose a problem, while Kwame Poku is another target on their radar.

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Why Darragh MacAnthony is ‘worried’ about Kwame Poku transfer

Poku was the standout winger in League One last term as he amassed 12 goals and eight assists in the third tier, despite his side’s struggles.

Birmingham were ‘in talks’ to sign Poku in April, with any transfer for the 23-year-old requiring the Blues to pay compensation before his 24th birthday (August 11).

But when director of football Barry Fry slapped a £10 million asking price on Poku, despite his contract expiring this summer, the Championship newcomers were unsurprisingly put off.

With such a ridiculous demand, Peterborough shot themselves in the foot, as we revealed that clubs abroad don’t have to pay compensation to sign Poku, meaning he’s able to depart on a free transfer.

As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony is now ‘worried’ Poku will choose to sign for a team abroad instead of Birmingham.

“He’s considering his options,” Bailey told EFL Analysis. “Peterborough United knew they had a good player on their hands, but now Darragh MacAnthony [the chairman] is a very worried man in case Poku decides to go abroad. As we have mentioned in the past, that would severely impact how much compensation Posh receive.

“We always said it was an option and MacAnthony insisted Poku would stay in England, but that may not come to pass now. The clubs in Belgium and France are still keen, as some in Germany. But it’s still early June and Poku is in no hurry.

“Is he waiting for Rangers? Perhaps. We know Russell Martin is an interesting option for him now. But he will be weighing it up and thinking about where he can be a starting XI player. It’s an intriguing situation really. There is interest from the Championship, with Birmingham mentioned before, but Rangers is definitely a move Poku is open to.”

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Russell Martin could lure Poku to Rangers

Although Russell Martin was a favourite to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester City, the former Southampton boss couldn’t turn down a move to Rangers.

The Scotsman will now get the opportunity to manage in Europe next season, which could be a huge factor for Poku when it comes to making his decision.

An opportunity to sign for one of the world’s most decorated clubs doesn’t come around too often, and although Birmingham’s project is enticing, Rangers pose an arguably even bigger opportunity.

The Ghanaian will get to showcase his skillset in European football, while nailing down a starting spot down the right flank.

That is why MacAnthony is ultimately worried about Rangers’ interest in the 23-year-old, as it would mean their special talent leaves for nothing.