Preston North End have sealed a £6 million permanent transfer for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine after the 21‑year‑old completed his medical on 7 July 2026. The move ends a loan spell that saw Devine feature 48 times for the Deepdale side last season.

How did the deal materialise?

The club exercised an option included in Devine’s loan agreement from Spurs, a clause set at £6 million when he arrived on loan last summer. After a strong loan campaign – eight goals and eight assists – Devine agreed personal terms and travelled to Deepdale for his medical. Sources confirm the fee doubles Preston’s previous record of £2.1 million for Milutin Osmajić.

Why is Devine vital for Preston’s campaign?

Preston sit 14th in the Championship with 60 points from 46 games, recent form LWLLW, and a goal difference of –7 (55 scored, 62 conceded). Devine’s creativity could be the spark needed to climb the table, especially as the team sits 35 points behind leaders Coventry. His brace against Stoke City in March helped spark a late‑season surge, and his work‑rate earned manager Paul Heckingbottom high praise.

Who else was interested?

Reports suggested Celtic and several promotion‑chasing Championship clubs eyed the England under‑20 midfielder. Yet Preston’s project, highlighted by a clear pathway to first‑team minutes, seemed to win Devine over. He posted an emotional farewell to Tottenham in May, thanking the club for its support during the 2025/26 campaign.

What does this mean for the next fixtures?

With Devine now a permanent member, Preston will look to bounce back from a 1‑3 loss to Southampton on 2 May 2026. Their next home game is against Cambridge United on 24 July 2026, where the midfield addition could help turn the recent 2W‑0D‑3L run around. If he replicates his loan form, the £6 million outlay could pay dividends both on the pitch and in future market value.

How does the fee compare historically?

The £6 million price tag more than doubles Preston’s previous transfer record. The club’s last big spend was the £2.1 million signing of Osmajić from Cádiz. Devine, at 21, still has his peak years ahead, and consistent Championship performances could see his value rise dramatically – a trend mirrored by Everton’s £25 million purchase of Hayden Hackney.

Preston’s fans will be watching closely as Devine dons the number 10 shirt for the first time in a permanent capacity. The hope is that his vision and goal contribution will help the club climb out of the mid‑table mire and perhaps mount a late‑season push.

Alfie Devine – Player Profile - Age: 21 - Position: Midfielder - Former Club: Tottenham Hotspur - 2025/26 Stats (loan): 48 appearances, 8 goals, 8 assists