Huddersfield Town have had a marvellous start to the summer window, with early business revamping their heavily altered squad. Ryan Ledson could now have a big part to play in luring former teammates to the Terriers.
The former Preston North End midfielder is a Championship expert, having featured in seven season with the Lilywhites. Following the conclusion of the 27-year-old’s contract, Huddersfield were able to snap up the hard-working Englishman on a free transfer.
According to Alan Nixon, two players from North End’s squad could join Ledson at the John Smith Stadium. Jack Whatmough has been highlighted already as a key target for Huddersfield’s defensive department, but fan favourite Brad Potts could now be the subject of a six or seven-figure bid.
The off-field friendship between Potts and Ledson had helped the two create a great chemistry within the Lancashire side – both on the pitch and in the dressing room. The versatile midfielder, who saw minutes limited to the right wing-back position under Ryan Lowe particularly, is reportedly being offered a more natural, central-attacking role by Paul Heckingbottom next campaign.
Since joining Preston in 2019, Potts has scored 21 goals in 238 appearances. An iconic strike against former club and bitter Lancashire rivals, Blackpool, will remain one of the fondest goals in PNE history. As well as this, the midfielder’s surprisingly acrobatic, aerial ability would be an appealing factor for Huddersfield. The former Barnsley man scored four goals and contributed five assists in 34 games across all competitions last season.
A back-up option has also been noted for the Terriers if they cannot strike a deal with the Championship side; George Thomason of Bolton Wanderers could fit the brief and fulfil some of Potts’ attributes. However, the 31-year-old offers more experience straight away.
Writer’s View
Unfortunate injuries have hampered some spells in the past two seasons for Potts. However, North End will be keen to keep their now-beloved player. Described as a ‘workhorse’, the former Carlisle United man looks to be settled in the Championship with Preston for now.
Huddersfield could be an appealing opportunity for Potts though, with a chance of reintegrating into a side as a key starter. The fantastic business the Terriers have already commenced, alongside the coup of picking up Ledson for free, may entice the midfielder into joining his former teammate.
Heckingbottom is building a squad for his most important season in recent times. Preston will be hoping that Potts’ ability can continue to provide right wing-back cover as well as competition in the central, attacking and wide areas of midfield. The 31-year-old will bring an unmatched (bar Ali McCann) energy to the side if fully fit and will importantly retain a good level of familiarity around the club.
Town seem likely to miss out on this one, with a more realistic approach for Bolton’s Thomason having the potential to pick up pace in the coming days or weeks.
