Preston North End have captured in-demand midfielder Ben Whiteman on a deal from Doncaster Rovers.
Preston North End Complete Ben Whiteman Deal
Highly Sought After During This Transfer Window
The 24-year-old has been highly sought after this month but it’s the Lilywhites that have managed to complete a deal to bring the player to their club.
Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Derby County were also all keen on Whiteman but Alex Neil has managed to convince him to make the move to Deepdale.
With the deal done, it means Whiteman will be playing in the second tier for the first time in his career. The midfielder has so far played in League One for Sheffield United and Doncaster, and in League Two for Mansfield Town.
Ben Whiteman is the Fourth Signing for Preston This Window
As for North End, it signals their fourth signing of the transfer window so far. He’s their second player to join in midfield – which could have something to do with the potential departures of several key midfielders that are out of contract in the summer.
First Permanent Signing of Month
The deal was reported to be just over £1.5 million for the Doncaster man, making him a club-record signing, and is North End’s first permanent signing of the month with the rest of their signings all joining on a short-term basis. He joins the club on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Speaking about the deal, Preston boss Alex Neil said: “We have been after him since the window opened and we have managed to stave off a number of other suitors, who were interested, so it has been great business from us.
“He is a player who has his best years ahead of him. He is only 24 and I am really happy that we have managed to get him in.”
Speaking to the clubs’ official website, Whiteman said: “I am over the moon to be at this massive football club.
“There weren’t many sides that I would have moved onto from Doncaster, but this ticked all the boxes and once I spoke to the manager it was a no brainer for me.
“As soon as I had finished with him, I had made my mind up straight away. He spoke very well and spoke very highly of the football club and I can’t wait to start.”
Main Photo
