Bolu Shofowoke is only 17 years old, but Peterborough United's breakout forward already has 19 first-team appearances to his name and the attention of several Premier League clubs. In his first sit-down interview, given to BBC Look East, the teenager made clear that his ambitions are sky-high — while insisting that his immediate priority is the Posh.

"I want to make the most of my time here, help the club as much as I can, take this opportunity, and whatever comes after comes after," Shofowoke said. "Hopefully I can reach the very top and play in the Premier League."

From grassroots to London Road

Shofowoke's journey to the League One first team began at Sutton United's youth set-up, where he spent two years in what he describes as the "brutal" world of grassroots football. He joined the Peterborough academy at 13 and quickly made an impression, eventually scoring 54 goals across the club's under-18s and under-21s — remarkable output for a player competing several age groups above his own.

His senior debut came in April 2025, aged 16, against Bolton Wanderers in League One. Since then he has accumulated 19 appearances across all competitions in just 15 months, including a first senior goal in a 5-1 EFL Cup win at Watford last month.

"A younger me would be so proud of where I am right now," he said. "It's actually living the dream, to be honest."

Electric pace and a contract until 2027

Shofowoke's most obvious weapon is his speed. As a 14-year-old he ran the 200 metres in approximately 22 seconds at an all-schools event in Derby, beating a GB age-grade runner in the process. Peterborough's own sprint testing clocks him at 9.8 metres per second, the fastest figure the club has ever recorded.

Director of football Barry Fry, who has been at London Road for 31 years, is effusive in his praise. "He's got explosive pace and scores goals for fun," said Fry. "He can't play 45 games this year, but he can certainly be in the squad all the time and come on for the last 20 to 30 minutes. He helps create chance after chance, either for himself or for others."

Despite reported interest from Brighton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, as well as French club Strasbourg, Peterborough are holding firm. Shofowoke is contracted to the club until 2027, with an option for a further year, and Fry confirmed the club has already spoken to three Premier League sides without entertaining any formal approach.

"We wouldn't even consider a bid for him now," said Fry. "I don't think we will even consider any bids in January."

The Posh production line

Peterborough have a well-established track record of developing young talent and selling it on for significant fees. Ivan Toney, Dwight Gayle, Britt Assombalonga and Siriki Dembele all came through or developed at London Road, with Toney's transfers alone contributing around £14 million to the club's coffers.

Fry is already placing Shofowoke in that company. "I've promised his parents one day he'll be a millionaire — but not on Peterborough money," he said. "Twenty-two players have left us and become millionaires with their next contracts."

Shofowoke himself credits his family for the sacrifices that made his progress possible, including four-hour round trips from Derby to Peterborough for training sessions during his academy years, often with his younger sister in tow.

For now, though, the focus is squarely on League One. With manager Luke Williams carefully managing his minutes, Peterborough supporters are getting a glimpse of a player who could yet become the club's most lucrative export. Whether that happens this year, next or further down the line, the Posh appear determined to make the most of the time they have with him.

Frequently asked

How old is Bolu Shofowoke and how many games has he played for Peterborough?
Shofowoke is 17 years old and has made 19 first-team appearances for Peterborough United across all competitions in the past 15 months.
Which clubs are linked with Peterborough's Bolu Shofowoke?
According to reports, Brighton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have all been linked with the teenager, along with French club Strasbourg. Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has confirmed talks with three Premier League clubs but says no bid will be considered, at least until the summer.
When does Shofowoke's contract at Peterborough run until?
Shofowoke is contracted to Peterborough United until 2027, with an option for a further year beyond that.