It’s been a season of change for Preston North End thanks to sackings and several transfer dealings. Gone is Alex Neil and in is new boss Frankie McAvoy (who was handed the job on a full-time basis after impressing when given temporary charge of the club). Gone also are several key players. It all adds up for what should be a big summer transfer window, as the squad looks set to be overhauled.
Busy Transfer Window Ahead for Preston North End
Lilywhites Linked With Several Players
The regular season has only just come to its conclusion and already, Preston have released their retained list. Reports have also begun to emerge linking the Lilywhites with several fresh faces. There’s no denying though that there is a job to do.
For starters, a large number of squad members are surplus to requirements at Deepdale and the best thing to do would be to clear them out while they can. David Nugent, who was cast out into the cold despite being a club legend, will leave the club at the expiry of his current deal. So too will Graham Burke, who has spent the last few seasons out on loan, as will Josh Ginnelly, Billy Bodin and Louis Moult.
There are arguably still some faces that could go and some decisions that need to be made. For example, Josh Harrop has struggled to nail down a place at North End and has been sent out on loan to Ipswich Town. With the Tractor Boys, he again failed to impress. Will he be given another chance to shine at Preston or should the club be decisive and let him leave?
Tom Bayliss Struggled for Playing Time at Deepdale
Then there is the curious case of Tom Bayliss. Fans have been impressed with his showings when he has been allowed the chance to play but that’s the issue – game time. The midfielder can’t buy a start but the talent is clear to see. He even bagged a goal – albeit a questionable one – in Preston’s final league game of the season. Should he spend a season on loan? Or will new boss Frankie McAvoy allow him the chance to play more regularly?
These though, are all ifs, buts and maybes for now. Let’s look at the actuals.
The impressive Daniel Iversen and Sepp van den Berg have returned to their parent clubs after their respective loan spells. They both did well at Deepdale and the club would be well served bringing them both back to the club if they can.
Preston Preparing Moves for Former Loan Stars During This Transfer Window
The good news for North Enders is that it looks like the Lilywhites are indeed in the running to bring both back if they can for the next Championship campaign. LancsLive state that Preston are interested in a reunion with goalkeeper Iversen, while they also report that Preston are eager to bring the Liverpool man back to the side on loan too.
Liam Lindsay – another short-term signing in January – could also come back to the club on a permanent basis according to the same report.
That’s three defensive signings potentially lined up then, not to mention links with fresh faces like Matty Pearson and Will Boyle.
That isn’t to say defence is the focus though – the Lancashire Evening Post reports that forwards will be another area of interest in the summer transfer window.
North End Need Forwards Too
With Nugent departing and Jayden Stockley not necessarily needed at the club, it means signing a striker would certainly not harm the squad. There is also, arguably, space for a winger.
This is a side in transition, having lost some of its most important players in January. They’ve got a new man in charge too and this will be an off-season of Frankie McAvoy and his new team imprinting their mark on the side and moulding the team in the image they want.
It’s sure to be a busy transfer window for Preston then – so strap yourselves in.
Main Photo
