Harley Mills Pens New Peterborough United Deal: How He Will Help Shape The Club

For lower league clubs the nurturing of academy talent and providing a pathway into the senior team is an integral part of both on the pitch performance, and off the pitch infrastructure.

That is no different for Peterborough United. In fact, The Posh are one of the most renowned for the use they make of their academy system and the development of youngsters looking to break into senior football.

And that sentiment is one showing no signs of slowing with the most recent graduate in Harley Mills turning heads and making noise in the professional game.

With the exciting announcement of Mills' new contract at Peterborough just passed, here is a look at exactly who Harley Mills is, why this new contract is such a big deal for The Posh as a club, and just how Mills will help to shape the future.

Who Is Harley Mills?

Harley Mills began his career at Aston Villa before moving to Peterborough United in the summer of 2023.

He made his way through the Peterborough youth ranks from there where he impressed and established himself as a real prospect to watch for the future.

This led to Mills being sent on a one month development loan to Enfield Town at the start of the 2024/25 season as The Posh looked to begin his integration into men's football, but nobody quite expected just how quickly that integration would occur...

Good luck to young defender Harley Mills, who joins Enfield Town on an initial one-month youth loan deal.#pufc

— Peterborough United (@theposh) September 6, 2024

After returning from his loan Mills didn't take long to elevate himself into the first team picture and, at just 19 years of age, by the end of the season the young left back had made 20 appearances for the senior side.

Not only was he making appearances and putting himself in the spotlight, he was excelling.

Mills instantly became an integral part of Darren Ferguson's backline with his man of the match performance, including a stunning free-kick goal, in the EFL Trophy final marking the highlight of his season.

What Does He Bring To Peterborough?

In terms of his player profile, Harley Mills is the sort of player any side would be lucky to have.

His versatility allows him to play in a multitude of positions and not look out of place in any, a skill which will undoubtedly serve him well as his career continues to progress.

Equipped with a wand of a left foot, if you don't believe me go and watch his EFL Trophy free-kick- absolute mustard, Mills boasts both a dangerous threat from set-pieces and a passing variety which is quite frankly a joke.

WHAT. A. STRIKE. 🤯

19-year-old Peterborough left-back Harley Mills puts Posh in front at Wembley with a STUNNING free-kick 🚀 pic.twitter.com/K8G0Co34tS

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 13, 2025

Add to that his Duracell bunny-like energy and workhorse attitude and you have a player who is exceptionally astute with both the ball at his feet and when doing the dirty work for his team.

The most scary thing about Mills is the fact he is only 19 years of age. When you take into account what he is already doing on big stages, in big moments- we could be witnessing the uncovering of an absolute gem.

How Will His New Deal Effect the Club?

After last season, Peterborough knew there would be clubs vying for his signature this summer.

Lo and behold there was buzzing interest from those residing higher up the English football pyramid. Both Sheffield United and Fulham were rumoured to be moving for Mills as a big transfer loomed for the youngster.

New contract ✍️

Peterborough United defender Harley Mills, 19, has agreed a new four-year deal#pufc | #BBCEFL pic.twitter.com/3jsf06sqQc

— BBC Cambs Sport (@BBCCambsSport) July 29, 2025

However, even with such tempting options on the table and to Peterborough's delight, Mills decided against moving and put pen to paper on a new four year deal..

And it is undeniably a deal that has a wealth of positives for Peterborough as a club both on and off the pitch.

The Posh have always favoured developing the youth over anything else- whether it be producing their own academy talent like Ricky Jade-Jones or readying players to go onto bigger things like Ivan Toney.

In fact, that youth development is exactly why Mills has decided to stay at the club.

For Peterborough this not only rewards their approach, but sees them further establish themselves as a hub for young talent in the world's eye. It reinforces them as a genuine option for top clubs to send their talent with a view to development, something which is crucial to the sustainability of lower league clubs in the English pyramid.

this peterborough fall from grace hurts really exciting team player wise once an upon a time now It's just not it anymore https://t.co/bpPXm3WTa7

— Ali (@a_lister2) August 2, 2025

And possibly most important of all, it massively helps their cause on the pitch in what looks to be a tough season coming up for The Posh.

For Mills himself, Peterborough's track record with young players makes it an absolute no brainer to continue his development at the club.

For Peterborough themselves, the continuations of Mills' tenure in their ranks is just yet another reassurance that they are doing things the right way, and will reap long-felt rewards for the club from top to bottom.