Huddersfield Town have done well this summer to replace a plethora of released players, especially in their defensive line. The Terriers have turned their attention now to out-of-favour Preston North End defender, Jack Whatmough.
The 28-year-old featured in 16 league games for North End last campaign and offered an assist from centre-back. As a centre-back in the Championship, Whatmough was a fairly important asset in his first season with the Lancashire side. Minutes have diminished in the second spell since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2023, with Alan Nixon now reporting Huddersfield’s recent interest.
121 League One appearances, across Portsmouth and Wigan careers, will add a great amount of experience to the Terriers’ back line. Prior to Wigan’s return to the Championship in 2022/23, the centre-back featured in every single league game for the Latics – who are now managed by former PNE boss, Ryan Low – and scored two goals with two assists.
Huddersfield have already snapped up several centre-back options. With a dangerously competitive squad being built, the addition of Whatmough could massively strengthen the starting line-up. Sean Roughan was acquired from Lincoln City on a free deal, with the 22-year-old offering versatility in left and central defensive roles. Murray Wallace was added from Millwall to provide important experience, while Joe Low and Josh Feeney (loan) were snapped up from Wycombe Wanderers and Aston Villa’s under-21 set-up.
These were important replacements for the West Yorkshire side, as the release of Tom Lees, Josh Ruffels, Ollie Turton and Matty Pearson – who was picked up by Doncaster Rovers recently – left Huddersfield short in defensive numbers.
Whatmough, if a deal can be struck, would join up with Ryan Ledson – formerly of Preston North End and a combative midfielder who could be set to captain the Terriers next season. Marcus Harness has been bought without a transfer fee following his Ipswich Town contract expiration. Owen Goodman is the latest through the door at the John Smith Stadium, as the goalkeeper was recently signed on a year-long loan from Premier League side, Crystal Palace.
Writer’s View
With one year left on Whatmough’s current contract with the Lilywhites, this is the perfect time for the two to part ways, especially with a transfer fee included. Preston’s model of allowing contracts to expire has been reformed under Paul Heckingbottom’s impressive transfer strategy.
Huddersfield themselves look immense, and are building a squad to push League One’s finest sides to the championship title. Having built arguably the best defence in the league, with the 28-year-old becoming yet another potential option, Whatmough could offer Championship experience as well as depth to the important, and now improved, defensive ranks under Lee Grant.
