Peterborough United won the race to sign Sammie Szmodics because he wants Championship football

Sammie Szmodics signs his four-year contract at Posh. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Szmodics has left a Championship club in Bristol City who didn’t want him, but the 24 year-old is convinced he can get back to the second tier with Posh.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson was delighted to land his man after a week of constant speculation and he praised the efforts of co-owner Darragh MacAnthony for making it happen amid interest from League One rivals Portsmouth and Sunderland.

Ferguson said: “I said I was 95% done in terms of players coming into the club, but I am now 100% there! We are delighted. In the last week things have accelerated a little bit in the sense he probably wasn’t going to get the game time at Bristol City and Darragh has been so determined to get it over the line. Darragh worked very hard and wouldn’t let go until he got the deal done.

Sammie Szmodics in action for Posh against Southend last season. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“I think it has been a relentless effort from Darragh to get this done so you have to say well done to him for going that extra mile to get this over the line on a permanent basis.

“It is good that Sammie has committed to us because he wanted to play Championship football and feels that can be achieved with us. We know what he brings to the squad. His performances for us were very good last season.

“It is a really big signing for us. I know there was interest from several clubs in our league, but he always said if he was going to sign for a club in League One, it would be us, and credit to him because he has stuck to his word.

“The boy was adamant he wanted to come here, and I am really looking forward to working with him again. We will assess him today in training and see where he is at fitness wise, but it is great to get him in the building.”

Szmodics was thrilled to be back and cannot wait to get started and complete the unfinished business from last season. “I am delighted to be back,” Szmodics insisted. “I feel there is a bit of unfinished business from last season. We were going so well and I was really enjoying my football.

“I went back to Bristol City for pre-season, but Dean Holden the gaffer there was very honest with me and when I knew that I was able to leave, I spoke to my agent about speaking to Darragh and Peterborough. I can’t wait to get started,”

Szmodics will wear the number 15 shirt this season.