Preston North End have completed the signing of Jordan Thompson from Stoke City.
The ex-Blackpool midfielder will join North End on July 1st on a two-year deal with an option for a further year.
The 28-year-old becomes the first player to move to Deepdale, with an important summer ahead for Paul Heckingbottom and his team ahead.
Thompson’s Career So Far
The Northern Irishman came through the ranks with both English giants Manchester United and Scottish giants Rangers, before experiencing loan spells at the likes of Airdrieonians, Raith Rovers and Livingston.
He moved back south to join League One side and Lancashire rivals Blackpool, where he spent two years, before moving to Stoke City. Thompson has played over 170 games in red and white during his five-year stint, 150 of which came in the second tier. He made 26 appearances last season in all competitions for the Potters, but he is now set for a new chapter at Deepdale.
He is also an international player, making 39 appearances internationally for Northern Ireland since making his debut in 2018.
Why Preston North End?
It’s fair to say Preston need to invest in the summer if they want to avoid a repeat of what happened last season, especially with the quality of opponents who have been promoted from the third tier and the quality of teams who have been relegated from the Premier League. In the end, after a final day draw at Bristol City, Heckingbottom’s side finished 20th, just one point and two places away from the relegation zone.
Moving back to Lancashire, Thompson will be moving back to an area he knows well, as well as still playing football at a high level, and a level he knows he’s good enough for.
Upon joining, Thompson said:
I’m delighted. It’s been quite a quick turnaround and I’m just glad it’s all done now. It’s a massive club and it’s one that I want to be part of.
“I’m looking forward to getting in pre-season, meeting the rest of the boys and the staff properly and getting going.”
Writer’s View
The move certainly makes sense for both parties. For the Lilywhites, they are gaining a versatile midfielder who has plenty of experience at this level on a free transfer, whilst Thompson can continue playing at a high level in the same division.
As previously mentioned, North End need to be careful next season with the strength of the clubs in the Championship, which means they will have to invest in their squad if they want to remain in the division. Although this is only the start of a busy summer for the club, bringing in Thompson is a good starting point.
