Preston North End is getting close to acquiring FC Utrecht winger Jeppe Okkels, the Lancashire Evening Post has reported.
The attacker is set to become Preston’s fourth summer acquisition when they sign him. They lost their first game last Friday, 2-0, at home against Sheffield United.
Only during the most recent January transfer window did the 25-year-old Okkels sign a long-term deal with FC Utrecht that will last until June 2027. But according to this most recent development, he may be departing the Dutch company already in order to make a fresh start in England.
He’s scheduled to have a medical on Monday, according to the Lancashire Evening Post, before making the move to Deepdale. Sam Greenwood, Stefán Teitur Þórðarson, and Kaine Kesler-Hayden are three players that Ryan Lowe has already added to his roster during this window of opportunity. He has until the end of August to add more players.
Preston North End close in on attacker
In recent seasons, Preston has been recruiting with an unconventional mindset. Teitur Þórðarson was brought in earlier in this window, and 12 months ago they brought in Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen from Odense.
The most recent player from Scandinavia to come into their notice is Okkels, who may be able to provide them with something unique on the wide field.
The former Denmark youth international, who can play on either flank, would give the Lilywhites’ roster more depth and competition.
After just eight months, FC Utrecht, who only saw him play five times the previous season, is going to part ways with him.
Before being recruited by Silkeborg in 2011, Okkels began his career at ØBG Silkeborg. After progressing through their academy, he played 89 games as a young player and contributed nine goals. In 2019, they won the 1. Division title, which earned them a spot in the Danish Superliga.
In 2020, IF Elfsborg enticed him to Sweden, where he played 118 games in the Allsvenskan over three years, totalling 29 goals and 16 assists.
What next for Preston target?
After his winter transfer, Okkels hasn’t felt at home in Holland, so a move to Preston might help him restart his career.
A new signing would help lift spirits as the Lilywhites’ first game against Sheffield United was disappointing.
They will play Sunderland at home in a Carabao Cup match on Tuesday night to get back in action. This weekend, they travel to Swansea City on the road in an attempt to get a win.
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