Another busy summer is in store for Preston North End, after a very quiet January window.
Incomings are anticipated at Deepdale and manager Ryan Lowe has already discussed shifting players, under contract, on this summer. The retained list is expected to arrive this weekend, which will paint a clearer picture of how North End’s squad looks – ahead of the transfer window opening in mid-June.
And, while all the attention will be on who Preston could recruit, there is one player already in the building who should have red ink around his name. Back in October 2021, PNE were proactive with Emil Riis – extending his deal until 2025, with the Dane initially tied down until 2024. The number 19 is one of the obvious assets within the North End squad.
After returning from that horror knee injury, Riis resembled a new striker – hungrier, stronger and deadlier than ever. Between February and March, he scored six goals in seven starts – providing three assists in the second half of the season, too. Admittedly, Preston’s disappointing end to the season was coupled with a barren run for Riis – who didn’t score in his final eight outings.
his may have been expected, though, given all the discussion about how to handle his workload following his 11-month hiatus. Preston naturally fouled the center-forward as much as they could, considering his performances. In many of those matches, especially against Coventry City, whose defence he utterly decimated, he looked like the real deal.
“It’s huge to have him back,” Lowe stated in February of that year. All we’re doing is attempting to shape him into the ideal striker. Both his runs in behind and his hold up play are improving. He’s got it all the time. Everyone had been waiting for Emil to return. His teammates are all happy for him, and I’m happy for him with his aim.
“Isaac Hayden is an incredible football player,” Lowe remarked in January to the LEP. “He would’ve preferred to have played more games. I believe the link; we frequently talk about players and I am extremely familiar with his agency. If there was a chance, I’m sure he would come play for us. If the chance arose, I have no doubt that I would be thrilled to have him. Who wouldn’t?”
According to reports, Middlesbrough made a £7.5 million approach for the player in 2022; he may have improved as a player last season. That so serves as evidence of Preston’s talent. Ideally, discussions with Riis would have happened earlier. If not, convincing him to quickly put pen to paper and attend to them both become urgent priorities. And if there’s any resistance, North End will have to consider going through with a sale.
