Preston North End have enquired about the availability of Karl Hein as they seek to bolster their goalkeeping options ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.
The 23-year-old is expected to leave Arsenal following the imminent arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, which would push Hein even further down the pecking order at the Emirates, as reported by SportsBoom.
Promising Future
Hein has long been tipped for a promising future but has yet to feature in a league game for Arsenal. Last season, he finally found some consistency on loan at Real Valladolid, where he enjoyed the most productive spell of his career so far. That run of games appears to have reignited interest from across Europe and, crucially, from clubs in England’s second tier.
Preston’s need for a new first-choice keeper became clear following the departure of Woodman, and Hein fits the profile the club are looking for: young, international pedigree, and hungry for regular minutes. North End face competition, with Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth also reportedly making enquiries, but their early move could prove decisive.
Loan or Permanent? Hein Weighing Options
Reports suggest that a permanent exit from Arsenal is most likely, with the Gunners understood to be asking for around £1million for Hein’s services. However, loan options remain on the table depending on the level of interest and the financial packages involved.
The Estonian, who has already been capped 37 times by his country, began his career with Nõmme United before moving to North London in 2019. He was handed a long-term deal by Arsenal in 2021 but has since struggled for first-team opportunities, making just a handful of cup appearances and enduring a short-lived loan at Reading in early 2023.
With Arrizabalaga set to complete a £5million move from Chelsea, Hein’s time at Arsenal appears to be up, and he is said to be eager to secure a move where he can become a regular starter. His age, experience abroad, and international exposure make him an attractive proposition—especially for a club like Preston aiming to stabilise and push higher up the table after a mid-table finish last season.
Writer’s View
This could be an astute move for Preston North End. Karl Hein may not be a household name, but the 23-year-old has been on the fringes of top-level football for years and finally proved his worth in Spain last season. With Freddie Woodman gone, Preston have a chance to build around a young keeper with international experience and plenty of untapped potential.
If they can beat off competition from QPR and Portsmouth—and avoid a bidding war—they could land a long-term solution for a critical position. It’s a move that would show intent without breaking the bank, and it could give Hein the regular football he’s been crying out for.
