Paul Heckingbottom, the manager of Preston North End, will have his first full transfer window in January. Although the team had a very quiet January transfer window the previous year, this season looks to be a busy one.
Josh Bowler, who was on loan from Nottingham Forest, was the only addition made by Paul Heckingbottom, who was named manager on August 20. Since then, he has managed 13 Championship games and three Carabao Cup games, giving him ample opportunity to evaluate his possessions and needs.
There is now only one spot available in the 25-man squad that North End plans to submit after January. Therefore, if Heckingbottom wants to bring in new people in January, outgoing business may be the key.
The 25-man roster that North End intends to submit after January now has just one space left. Therefore, exiting business might be the key if Heckingbottom wants to attract new customers in January.
Stewart reportedly had the possibility to go on loan in the summer, which is exactly what the former Liverpool player needs—regular playing time and the opportunity to score goals. Kian Best, who hasn’t been featured much this campaign, is in a similar situation.
After his breakthrough 2023–24 season, the teenager’s progress can only be hindered by sitting on the bench, regardless of whether his future is at Deepdale. Kian Taylor and Kitt Nelson, two other promising players, have previously been on loan and would undoubtedly appreciate the opportunity to play.
During the holiday season, Patrick Bauer will return to his fitness level. The German’s contract expires in 2025, but he has shown little want to go during past transfer windows, so it would not be shocking if the centre-back stayed. He was played by Heckingbottom against Fulham.
Finlay Cross-Adair is another young athlete who might be on the move. The striker, who just got back from an early loan stint with Prescot Cables, has had a rough year. The 19-year-old is likely to go out once again, which might occur in January.
Even though Theo Mawene is still in his second year of scholarship and still trains with the senior team, a first loan move could help the offensive midfielder as well. There are numerous players in the first team whose contracts expire in 2025.
But it appears that most of players will either sign new contracts or become free agents come summertime, and bids are unlikely to be played in January. Emil Riis is one player who might be sought on a low-cost deal, leaving North End with a choice.
The Dane has been with PNE for three years and has not revealed too much when questioned about his contract status. Although Riis appears to love working with Heckingbottom, Preston will have one more chance to sell a striker for any money in January if he doesn’t sign new terms. The striker costs £1.2 million.
Josh Bowler’s situation is a last one to think about. The winger has only started two league games since signing on deadline day, despite his early trickery in a PNE shirt. Bowler was Heckingbottom’s recruit and is currently on loan for the season, but it won’t help anyone if he plays very little. Even while you would anticipate and expect him to appear more frequently as a recall, stranger things have happened Considering the obvious individual potential in his locker, the campaign goes on.
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