Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman's transfer to Wrexham is in jeopardy after manager Paul Heckingbottom publicly criticized him for trying to force a move. The 30-year-old midfielder has grown frustrated with the club's lack of ambition this summer.
What happened?
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has lambasted his own club captain Ben Whiteman for "crossing a line" by attempting to force through a move to Wrexham during the summer transfer window.
Why it matters for Preston
The 30-year-old is a transfer target for Phil Parkinson as he looks to strengthen his midfield ahead of the new Championship season. The Red Dragons are keen to add another central midfielder to provide competition for Matty James and Ben Sheaf, with Whiteman viewed as one of the club's leading targets.
What comes next?
It is understood Whiteman has grown frustrated by what he sees as Preston's lack of ambition this summer as the club prepares for a 12th consecutive season in the Championship. The Lilywhites have signed Alfie Devine from Tottenham Hotspur in a club-record deal worth $8 million, while goalkeeper Lee Nicholls has also arrived from Huddersfield Town.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 14th in Championship, 60 pts, 15W-15D-16L from 46 games, recent form LWLLW. Goals this season: 55 scored, 62 conceded (-7 goal difference). Title race: 35 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Millwall (away, 2027-02-27) (3rd in the table).
Heckingbottom criticized Whiteman's handling of the situation, saying, "Ben told me, told Peter [Ridsdale, CEO], he's played his last game for the club." He added, "He's trying to force a move, which is an issue for me and for the players. We've been in regular conversations over the last few days, and Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross. Unfortunately, he has, and you can't have that."
Whiteman Valuation Threatens 'Sticky Situation'
"Listen, there's a valuation on him. I just hope, for Ben's sake, that Wrexham are willing to pay it," Heckingbottom added. "Otherwise, he's put himself in a really sticky situation."
It's not clear what price Preston are demanding and it remains to be seen if Wrexham will match that valuation. However, Whiteman's current boss had no incentive to accelerate his captain's exit.
"I'm not bothered now," Heckingbottom huffed when asked if a speedy resolution was in everyone's interest. "He's made his bed. I'm not bothered, as long as I get another player."
