Kwame Poku has signed for Championship side Peterborough United.
The exciting forward moves to London Road for an undiclosed fee after two seasons in north Essex, having made more than fifty appearances for the U's.
He came to Colchester in the summer of 2019 after a successful trial, after scoring twice in a dozen appearances for non-league side Worthing in the second half of the 2018/19 season.
It was initially thought that the then seventeen year old would spend his early days at the U's with the U23s squad, but an impressive pre-season saw him elevated to the first team squad from the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
He actually made most of his U's appearances in that season, bringing him to the attention of clubs higher up the league structure.
Championship newcomers Peterborough have now secured his services for the next four years, and he joins former U's stars Sammy Szmodics and Frankie Kent at Posh.
On his time at the U's, Kwame said: "I really enjoyed it at the club, and I wish them nothing but good luck for the future."
U's Director of Football Tony Humes added: "Kwame is a player with enormous potential and we didn't want to lose him."
"But the deal was right for all three parties, Kwame, us and Peterborough, and when that happens, you can't stand in the way of a young player's path to a higher level."
"We all hope he enjoys the success that Sammy and Frankie have enjoyed in their time with Peterborough and wish him the best of luck."