Preston North End have recently announced the signing of former Sheffield Wednesday Pol Valentin. The right-back recently reached the end of his Owls contract and has chosen to join the Lilywhites over the likes of Derby County.
With a heavy rebuild underway at Deepdale, Paul Heckingbottom will be keen to add defensive improvements to a thinning full-back area. Valentin has been acquired by North End as a permanent alternative to Kaine Kelser-Hayden, who appeared out of Preston’s budget following an impressive loan spell and a return to Aston Villa.
Having already made significant confirmations on the transfer front, even before the official opening of the summer transfer window, the Lilywhites have now added the 28-year-old to the signings of Daniel Iversen and Jordan Thompson – all of which join on free deals.
Previous Endeavours
Valentin has made an abundance of appearances for Wednesday in his two years with the Owls. 77 in all competitions since 2023 has highlighted the defender’s important role in Danny Röhl’s side for a large portion of the Championship seasons despite not necessarily being a mainstay.
In a career spanning over two countries now as well as six different clubs, the former Valencia B player will be available as a new type of defensive option for the Lancashire side past this summer and will inevitably provide a wealth of experience.
Valentin’s First Words As A Lilywhite
Upon this signature, Valentin has spoken directly to the club’s media team. The 28-year-old gave a glowing summary of his Lancashire side’s handling of the transfer saga:
“I’m feeling so happy to be here. Since they called me, they made me feel like ‘You’re going to feel at home. You’re going to feel like you’re in a family.’
“I’m very proud. I’ve spoken to different people that played here, for example Bambo [Diaby – PNE’s former Spanish centre-back], and people who know the manager or how the club is. They told me about the club and said they’re the best club for me. I didn’t have any doubt to come.”
Heckingbottom has also signified the role in which the Spaniard will play as a Lilywhite and his eagerness to get Valentin involved for next season’s crucial campaign:
“He’s an athletic full-back who uses his pace really well to get on the front foot and be positive in the final third. He’s another good addition to our squad.
“I’m really happy we’ve got Pol joining us. He comes with good experience at this level and he’s someone I’ve been impressed with over the past two years in the Championship.”
Writer’s View
To achieve three important signings before and within days of the summer transfer window commencing, is a bold statement of intent to the rest of the second tier. PNE have been in dire need of a permanent rebuild, rather than continuously relying on loan deals in the wide defensive areas.
Darnell Fisher can be observed as the last right-back to hold down the position naturally at Deepdale on a permanent basis, so this deal for Valentin could prove to be perfect for survival. With the shifted focus of avoiding relegation ahead of next season, North End are setting themselves in tremendous stead for any upcoming battle.
