Preston North End have suffered a major setback just weeks before their Championship opener, accepting a £3m bid from Wrexham for captain Ben Whiteman. The 30-year-old’s departure leaves a gaping hole in midfield, forcing manager Paul Heckingbottom to scramble for a replacement. With the Lilywhites finishing 14th last season (60 pts, 15W-15D-16L), they’ll need to act fast to avoid a slow start against Bolton Wanderers.
What happened to Ben Whiteman?
Preston’s long-serving skipper, Ben Whiteman, is set to join Wrexham after the club accepted a £3m offer. The 30-year-old has been a stalwart since arriving from Doncaster Rovers in 2021, making 224 appearances. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed as Preston look to rebuild their midfield.
Why Ben Pearson could return
Ben Pearson, now at Stoke City, is a familiar face who could fill the void. The 31-year-old made 165 appearances for Preston before leaving in 2021, earning a reputation for his tenacious midfield play. With Stoke strengthening their squad, Pearson’s playing time may dwindle, making a return to Deepdale a plausible option.
What’s next for Preston?
Heckingbottom’s side must act quickly to replace Whiteman before the transfer window closes on September 1. While Leicester’s Oliver Skipp has been linked, Pearson’s experience and familiarity with the club make him an attractive alternative. With their next fixture against Millwall (away, February 27, 2027), Preston need to shore up their midfield to avoid falling behind early in the season.
