Neither QPR nor Charlton Athletic will win the transfer race for Peterborough United forward Malik Mothersille this summer, with the 21-year-old set to join League One outfit Stockport County.
Football League World carried reports of interest from both the R’s and the Addicks last month after the former Chelsea academy star turned in an impressive campaign for Peterborough United last time out. Mothersille bagged 16 goals and picked up 10 assists across all competitions.
The striker had entered the final 12 months of his contract, putting Posh in a difficult position to keep hold of their talisman. However, despite interest from Charlton Athletic and QPR, it is not a London club that has secured the signing.
QPR and Charlton Athletic beaten to Peterborough United coup
Stockport County confirmed the signing of Mothersille on Wednesday afternoon for a club-record fee. The figure has not been confirmed, but the club claims it has ‘smashed’ its previous record.
A statement read, “Stockport County is thrilled to announce the signing of Peterborough United forward Malik Mothersille for an undisclosed fee.
“The Jamaica international becomes the club’s new record signing, eclipsing the fee paid to Nottingham Forest for Ian Moore in 1998, with Malik signing a three-year deal at Edgeley Park with the option for an additional year.
“The 21-year-old joins having just enjoyed a breakthrough season in League One, scoring 16 times and registering ten assists in all competitions, helping Posh to retain the Vertu Trophy with victory against Birmingham City at Wembley. His performances over his 57 appearances saw him named as the club’s Young Player of the Year.”
Stockport County manager Dave Challinor said, “Attracting Malik to the club is a massive positive. He was a player that was on our list, but we thought that not reaching the Championship last season may have scuppered any hopes we had. This represents a big investment from the club into what we feel is one of the brightest prospects in the EFL.
“He had a breakout season at Peterborough last season with the amount of games he played and the goals and goal involvements that he had, and with Tanto moving on, it was imperative that we replace those goals and the penetrating pace in behind defenses.
“Malik will absolutely do that, be that from a wide, central, or slightly deeper area. At 21, he has huge potential, and we are delighted that he’s chosen us to be the next step in his career. It’s important we get him integrated as quickly as possible and amongst the group to give him the best chance to show the best version of himself from day one.”
Mothersille touted as Championship level
QPR have already done business with Peterborough United this summer, signing winger Kwame Poku from the club as he left as a free agent. The R’s still had to pay a compensation fee to the club due to rules that apply when signing an out-of-contract under-23 player.
Former EFL star Don Goodman had told Football League World that Mothersille would have been a shrewd signing either for QPR or Charlton Athletic. He said, “It’s very rare that you can say with any real certainty that a player from one league can make the step-up to the league above. You only ever find out as and when that happens. Some players can, and some players can’t.
“But there’s no doubt Malik Mothersille had a brilliant, brilliant season in what was a struggle for Peterborough United—unusually for them. They continued their trend of being a goal-scoring team that scores loads but lets in loads at the other end.
“Mothersille’s 12 goals and nine assists (in the league) highlight what a brilliant season he had in a team that struggled. He’s still only 21 years old, so there’s lots of development to come from him. So yeah, if you are a QPR or a Charlton, I think you probably would be signing a player that you can definitely utilize.”
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