Chris Conn-Clarke turned down a £300,000 transfer away from Peterborough United after a loan spell at Carlisle United. The 24-year-old forward’s decision was revealed by Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who said the deal was agreed even after the summer window closed.
MacAnthony spoke about the situation on his Hard Truth podcast. "We did a deal to sell Chris Conn-Clarke for £300,000, even after the window closed, which would have been a good move for Chris," he said. "But he turned the move down."
Conn-Clarke returned to London Road this summer after a season-long loan at Brunton Park. He made 22 appearances for Carlisle in the 2025/26 campaign, scoring three goals. Peterborough had made him available for transfer, and the chairman indicated the fee would have been "right on the button" for the club's financial situation, which includes an overspend on budget.
This season, Conn-Clarke has been limited to seven substitute appearances for the League One side, scoring once. MacAnthony also noted Peterborough will need to loan out three or four players to non-league clubs once senior players return from injury.
Carlisle, meanwhile, are focused on their own campaign in the National League. They sit 15th with 10 points from eight matches, a record of two wins, four draws and two defeats. Their recent form reads DDLWD, with a 1-1 draw against Forest Green Rovers last time out where midfielder Manny Obiero scored the equaliser.
Paul Simpson's side face Eastleigh away on Saturday. The Spitfires are one place above them in 14th. A look at the upcoming fixtures shows a busy period ahead for the Cumbrians. The club will also be monitoring former loanee Jack Bonham, who this week agreed a one-year contract extension with Championship side Bolton Wanderers, keeping him at the Toughsheet Community Stadium until 2028. The 33-year-old goalkeeper made 49 appearances for Carlisle during a loan spell in the 2017/18 season.
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