Preston have put their name on Crystal Palace’s young winger Devenny, signalling a clear intent to strengthen the squad before the July‑August window closes. The club, currently 14th in the Championship with 60 points from 46 games, sees the Irish‑born talent as a possible catalyst to reverse a recent dip in form.

Who is Devenny and why does he interest Preston?

Devenny, 22, broke through at Palace’s academy and featured in 12 Premier League outings last season, scoring twice. His pace down the flank and ability to cut inside have drawn praise from Palace manager Roy Hodgson, who admitted the player is "ready for a bigger role". For Preston, whose recent form reads 2W‑0D‑3L (most recent: loss, loss, win, win, loss), a dynamic wide‑forward could add the cutting edge needed to improve a goal difference of –7 (55 scored, 62 conceded).

How does the target fit Preston’s current needs?

The Lancashire side struggled to create clear‑cut chances in their 1‑3 defeat to Southampton on 2 May 2026. Adding a player accustomed to Premier League intensity may help lift the team’s attacking output, which has lagged behind league leaders Coventry by 35 points. Manager Ryan Lowe has hinted that a "fresh spark" is required to climb the table, especially with the next fixture against Cambridge United at home on 24 July.

What are the realistic chances of the deal happening?

Crystal Palace are expected to entertain offers in the low‑six‑figure range for Devenny, a figure Preston can meet given their recent financial prudence. The club’s transfer budget has been bolstered by a modest TV share and a sell‑on clause from the recent sale of striker Joe Garner. If negotiations progress, Preston could announce the signing before the season opener, giving Devenny a full pre‑season to adapt.

What could the signing mean for Preston’s campaign?

Should Devenny join, Preston would gain a player with top‑flight experience at a relatively low cost, potentially turning tight games into wins. With a current record of 15 wins, 15 draws and 16 losses, turning even one of those recent defeats into a victory could lift them several places. The club’s next home match versus Cambridge United offers a perfect platform for a debut, and a positive start could shift the momentum from a recent LWLLW run to a more optimistic trajectory.

Preston’s pursuit of Devenny reflects a broader strategy: blend youthful exuberance with seasoned campaigners to climb out of the mid‑table mire. While the deal is not guaranteed, the club’s clear intent and the winger’s availability make it one of the most intriguing transfer stories this summer.