Preston North End have entered the race to sign Lewis O’Brien, with the Championship club now vying with Swansea City and Wrexham for the midfielder’s signature.
The 26-year-old is out of favour at Nottingham Forest and expected to leave permanently this summer following a string of high-profile loan moves.
Preston Eye Key Midfield Reinforcement
According to reports from Alan Nixon, Preston are preparing an approach for O’Brien as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. The former Huddersfield Town man spent the latter part of last season on loan at Swansea, where his performances have encouraged the Welsh club to pursue a permanent deal.
Wrexham have also been credited with interest, with the ambitious Welsh outfit gearing up for their first Championship season since promotion. La Liga side Valencia are another linked with a move, something which could prove attractive.
Preston are understood to view O’Brien as a key summer target, with manager Ryan Lowe eager to add energy and ball-carrying quality to his midfield. The club are determined to improve on their mid-table finish last term and see the acquisition of an experienced Championship performer as essential to that aim.
O’Brien, who came through the academy at Huddersfield and made over 130 senior appearances for the Terriers, has also attracted previous interest from Leeds United and Hull City, though both clubs appear to have cooled their pursuit.
Versatile Midfielder in High Demand
After joining Forest in 2022, O’Brien found first-team opportunities limited, but loan spells in the Championship and MLS have helped maintain his reputation. Stints at D.C. United, Middlesbrough, Los Angeles FC and Swansea have showcased his adaptability and professionalism, making him a valuable asset on the market this summer.
His style of play — combining pressing intensity, progressive passing and positional awareness — has made him a desirable option for several Championship clubs seeking proven quality. At just 26, he still has room to develop further, and clubs see him as a low-risk, high-upside addition.
Writer’s View
Lewis O’Brien represents exactly the sort of signing Preston North End need at Deepdale to make if they are serious about pushing for the play-offs. He’s technically proficient, tactically disciplined and has proven himself across multiple Championship campaigns.
Wrexham’s interest is unsurprising given their financial clout, but the step up in level could appeal more to a player with aspirations of top-flight football. Swansea will hope familiarity counts in their favour, but if Preston act decisively, they could land one of the division’s standout free agents. In a competitive market, speed and clarity might prove more valuable than sentiment.
