The Canada international has been a success on loan with PNE
If a transfer for Liam Millar doesn’t happen this summer, Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe believes he will “definitely” be seeking a player of Millar’s calibre.
The FC Basel player has made an impression while on loan at Deepdale, contributing to five goals and five assists. This summer, Millar’s contract with the Swiss club will expire after one year. Although PNE would prefer to sign him on a long-term contract, Lowe has already stated that Basel’s worth will be a deciding factor.
There will likely be competition from other teams as well; previously this season, Sunderland was mentioned as a possible suitor. However, Lowe will undoubtedly be looking to add a creative spark out wide in the forthcoming transfer window, whether it’s Millar or someone else.
“Yes, absolutely,” responded Lowe. Peter (Ridsdale) is speaking with Liam’s agent, and he is having a great time here. But regrettably, we have no control over it, is we? He is not one of our players, and James Wallace informs me that I am not allowed to fall in love with any of these loan players. Liam is the same; he has performed admirably for us. I’ve had to restrain myself a little. I can never fall too deeply in love because in the end, he will probably return to Basel or possibly find someone else who can afford to pay for him unless we can work anything out or they want to work something out. I must therefore sort of take a step back on that side of it.
He is a talented player, and I firmly think that there will always be better players. Did we not have Alvaro (Fernandez) last year? He is currently playing in the Europa League, scoring goals for Benfica, and doing other things that nobody probably expected him to do. We have undoubtedly aided that aspect, and Liam is no different—he may return to Basel and participate in the Champions League or Europa League in a few years. Who knows? Indeed, we are constantly searching for a substitute, and to give the recruitment staff credit, they have consistently delivered on their promises.
Regarding the individual as well as the athlete, Millar is back in England, among his family. He has discussed it in interviews, and it is one of Preston’s advantages. However, since former loan stars left Deepdale despite having a great time there, Lowe is not getting his hopes up too high because football is very much a business.
Indeed, Lowe stated, “He is settled.” “He is settled with his partner and children; his parents are in the Northwest, not too far away from him. You have to go to whoever wants to take you, though, in the end. I’m not saying we can’t do it or that it’s impossible; I’m just saying that, regrettably, we have no control over it. We’ll have to wait and see on that one, but all we can do is perhaps put out a proposal.
