Peterborough chairman compares Southampton signing to Toney deal

The outspoken club owner compared the 21 year old's move to that of England international Ivan Toney, who joined Brentford from Posh in 2020.

Edwards has signed a four-year contract at Saints and cost an initial fee of just £3million due to being in the last 12 months of his deal.

In a club statement, MacAnthony addressed his departure, saying: "I am delighted for young Ronnie to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League at last.

"In doing so, fulfilling the promise made to him by the club in regards to not standing in his way on this move to Southampton. 

Ronnie Edwards has signed a four-year deal at Saints (Image: Southampton FC)

"I believe under Russell Martin that he will flourish and become an England international in the coming years.

"Ronnie is another young talent we acquired from non-league and has been outstanding for us over the last four years and we wish him so much success as he becomes a Premier League player."

MacAnthony added: "I would like to say a special thanks to his family who have been outstanding to deal with during Ronnie's time with Posh.

"He is another player, like Ivan Toney, who many clubs in the Premier League will regret not signing due to him being with a League One club and who I have no doubt will one day move for £50 million to one of those very clubs."

Edwards, who joined Peterborough from non-league Barnet when he was 17, has made 142 appearances for the club and impressed in the Championship.

He was quick to thank the Posh management, his teammates and the fans for their help and support during his time with the club.

He said: "I want to thank everyone for their support during my time with the club, the gaffer for putting his faith in me, the coaches for all their help and guidance, my team-mates who have been absolutely brilliant and of course the fans who have backed me.

"I am excited for my new challenge and am looking forward to getting started."

Manager Darren Ferguson added: "Ronnie called me yesterday to thank me and the coaching staff and he was an absolute pleasure to work with. 

"Ronnie is one of the best young players I have ever worked with and I have worked with a few. He has got a brilliant move to the Premier League and at a club who are managed by a good guy in Russell Martin, who has great staff around him. 

"Ronnie is another player that we have signed, developed and sold to the Premier League and I wish him and his family all the best in the future."