Former Preston North End goalkeeper Dai Cornell has joined Leicester City on a one-year contract. The 35-year-old Welshman moves as a free agent to bolster the Foxes' options after a season-ending injury to Jakub Stolarczyk earlier this month.
Cornell spent four years at Deepdale, making 23 competitive appearances including eight last season when he stepped in for the injured Daniel Iversen. He was offered a new deal to stay with Preston this summer but opted to depart, later posting a farewell message to the club and its supporters on Instagram. During his time at Preston, he was named the club's Community Player of the Year and a PFA Community Champion in 2024.
Leicester boss Russell Martin highlighted the veteran's experience and attitude. "He understands the role he is going to fulfil here, but he also backs himself to show what a good goalkeeper he is," Martin said. Cornell, whose career began at Swansea City and has included spells at 10 other clubs including Ipswich Town and Peterborough United, echoed the sentiment. "I am keen to help in any way I can at the Foxes," he stated.
Preston's current struggles
The move sees Cornell leave a Preston side entrenched in a Championship relegation battle. Ryan Lowe's team currently sit 23rd in the standings with just four points from their opening eight matches, a run that includes only one win. Their recent form reads one draw, three losses, and a single victory, with their last outing a 2-2 draw away at Queens Park Rangers. The team has conceded 15 goals in that time, a defensive record they will be desperate to improve as they prepare for their next fixtures.
Cornell's departure is a footnote in a difficult period for Preston, who have conceded 15 goals this season. They next face Millwall at Deepdale on 10 October, looking to build on the point earned at Loftus Road. The club's full squad will need to rally to address their form, having scored only 6 goals while conceding 15 in the league campaign so far.
Further reading: bbc.com
