Preston North End target George Hirst
Preston North End are reportedly interested in signing £9m-rated striker George Hirst from Ipswich Town, who has dropped down the pecking order this summer. The 27-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements at Portman Road, with new boss Gary O'Neil having reinforced the Tractor Boys' forward department ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Why it matters for Preston
Preston North End finished 14th in the Championship last season, 35 points behind leaders Coventry. The club will be keen to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign, and Hirst's arrival could provide a much-needed boost to their attacking options.
What comes next?
Preston North End's next fixture is against Bolton at the Macron Stadium on August 15. The club will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing start to the season, and Hirst's potential arrival could be a major factor in their success.
As of July 31, 2026, Preston North End are 14th in the Championship, with 60 points from 46 games, and a recent form of LWLLW. They have scored 55 goals and conceded 62, with a goal difference of -7. The club's last result was a 1-3 defeat to Southampton on May 2, 2026, and their recent form has been 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 games.
Preston North End have added only three players to their ranks this summer, including keeper Lee Nichols, forward Jusef Erabi, and attacking midfielder Alfie Devine, who cost a club-record £6m. However, the club is reportedly interested in signing Hirst, who is under contract until 2029 and has a £9m release clause.
The 27-year-old has been a key player for Ipswich Town, scoring 30 goals in 121 appearances since joining the club on loan in January 2023. However, with the arrival of new signings Emerson and Daizen Maeda, Hirst's game time has been limited, and he is now available for transfer.
Preston North End's summer spending spree has seen them sign several players, including Ethan Galbraith, Milan Smit, and Djibril Soumare. The club will be hoping to improve on their disappointing 2025-26 season, and Hirst's potential arrival could be a major factor in their success.
