Preston North End have confirmed the permanent signing of Alfie Devine after the 20-year-old completed his medical with Tottenham. The midfielder, who impressed on loan with 48 appearances, eight goals and eight assists, now joins the Lilywhites on a permanent deal.
Devine arrived at Spurs as a 15-year-old in 2020 and made just two first-team appearances, scoring once against Marine in the 2021 FA Cup. After a season-long loan at Deepdale, where he featured in 48 games, Preston exercised a purchase option that had expired, then renegotiated terms with Tottenham. It was confirmed that Devine was undergoing a medical, finalizing the move ahead of the summer window.
The attacking midfielder adds creativity to a side that sits 14th in the Championship with 60 points from 46 games (15W-15D-16L) and a recent form of LWLLW. Preston have scored 55 and conceded 62 this season, sitting 35 points behind leaders Coventry. Devine’s eight-goal haul and eight assists provide a spark that could help the club climb the table, especially as they look to improve a goal difference of -7.
Celtic of the Scottish Premiership were in advanced talks. However, Preston won the race, securing the player before the Hoops could finalize a deal. The transfer also comes amid speculation that other Spurs youngsters may leave.
Devine joins a squad that suffered a 1-3 defeat to Southampton on 2 May 2026 and has lost its last two matches. Their next challenge is a home game against Cambridge United on 24 July 2026. Adding a player of Devine’s calibre could be the catalyst needed to reverse the recent slump and push the team toward a mid-table finish.
Manager Ryan Lowe is expected to deploy Devine in a central attacking role, linking midfield and the forward line. His vision and set-piece ability should complement the likes of Callum Burgess and Nathan Elliott, offering more variety in the final third. With the season entering its decisive phase, the signing signals Preston’s intent to strengthen for a push up the table.
