It appears like Bristol Rovers’ ambitions of re-signing Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris during the January transfer window have been dashed.

That comes after journalist Alan Nixon revealed that the 29-year-old might be eligible for greater personal terms from other interested teams.

The summer reunion between Clarke and Harris was not shared by Bristol Rovers.

Naturally, Clarke-Harris is no stranger to Bristol Rovers; in 52 games played for the team between January 2019 and August 2020, the striker scored 27 goals.

After that, he was able to relocate to Peterborough and has been practicing his craft there ever since.

But on the last day of the summer transfer window, the striker would not be able to rejoin Bristol Rovers because of a late modification in the terms of the agreement that resulted in the EFL ruling that not all necessary paperwork was filed on time, which meant the contract application was denied.

because then, Clarke-Harris has scored ten goals in 24 games in all competitions for the Posh. However, because he is approaching the last six months of his contract at London Road, a transfer might still be in the works for the January transfer window.

Jonson Clarke-Harris Peterborough United record (all competitions) – stats from Transfermarkt
Season Division Appearances Goals Assists
2023/24 League One 24 10 1
2022/23 League One 54 29 5
2021/22 Championship 44 12 3
2020/21 League One 48 33 3
As of 31st December 2023

As things stand, it seems unlikely that he will eventually make a return to Bristol Rovers following that move.

Clarke-Harris might receive better terms from other bidders than the Gas

Many teams have been linked to a bid for Clarke-Harris as the January transfer window approaches.

League One rivals of Peterborough and Bristol Rovers, Charlton Athletic, and League Two contenders for promotion, Wrexham, are a few of the teams rumored to have shown interest in the 29-year-old.

After losing out on Clarke-Harris’ services in the summer, Bristol Rovers are still interested in him, according to Nixon’s most recent update.

The striker’s personal terms may be more favorable than those offered by the Gas, so it’s possible that the other interested clubs will be unable to close a deal.

Bristol Rovers is still in the running for the League One Playoffs.

Since Joey Barton was fired as manager in late October, Bristol Rovers have had a fantastic run of results, winning five and losing just two of their ten league games.

With games remaining against several teams in the vicinity, they are still nine points outside of the play-off spots despite their recent run of success that has seen them rise to ninth in the League One standings.

The Gas’s next game is on New Year’s Day, when they play Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.

Clarke-Harris update will be disappointing for Bristol Rovers

You get the feeling this is unlikely to be the sort of update on Clarke-Harris that those of a Bristol Rovers persuasion would have been hoping for.

The striker is a proven goalscorer at this level, something those at The Memorial Stadium are well aware of from his last spell with the club.

Because of this, you get the impression that if they had been able to sign him during the January transfer window, it would have greatly increased their chances of closing the gap and making it to the playoffs.

That currently appears doubtful, though, so Bristol Rovers fans might feel some pressure to find a different center forward option for the team next month.

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