Huddersfield Town have completed the signing of experienced defender Jack Whatmough from Preston North End, as manager Lee Grant adds proven EFL pedigree to his squad ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.
The 28-year-old centre-back has penned a two-year deal after leaving Deepdale, where he made 42 appearances during a one-season stay. Whatmough is no stranger to third-tier success, having previously won League One titles with both Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic. He was named in the EFL and PFA Teams of the Season in 2021/22 while also collecting Wigan’s Player of the Year award in a title-winning campaign.
Grant hailed the addition as a key piece in his summer rebuild, saying Whatmough brings “a track record of being a winner and leader within successful dressing rooms” and would add vital competition to a relatively young defensive group.
The move also reunites the defender with former teammates Marcus Harness and Ryan Ledson, both of whom joined Town earlier this summer.
Whatmough Eyes Promotion Push With Huddersfield
Whatmough’s arrival comes as Huddersfield look to bounce back from a turbulent Championship season that ended in relegation. The defender, who began his career at Portsmouth, was vocal about his desire to be part of a promotion push and revealed that discussions with Grant played a big role in his decision to move.
“I’m really excited about this move. I knew this was the right club after speaking to Lee Grant about the ambition he had for this season and beyond,” he said. “I’ve played in successful, promotion-winning teams before, and I know the commitment and desire it takes. I share the goal of getting back to the Championship.”
Statistically, Whatmough remains a strong performer at this level. He averaged 2.17 tackles, 1.93 blocks, and 3.7 aerial duels won per 90 minutes last season, and posted an impressive 87.7% success rate on short passes—highlighting both his defensive solidity and composure in possession.
The Gosport-born centre-back becomes a crucial figure in what is shaping up to be a major rebuild under Grant, as the Terriers target an immediate return to the second tier.
Writer’s View
This is a statement signing from Huddersfield Town. While many rebuilds focus on youth or unknown quantities, Jack Whatmough brings proven ability, leadership and a winning mentality. His League One experience and previous promotions make him an ideal anchor for a team that must recover quickly from relegation.
Grant has spoken repeatedly about raising standards and instilling belief, and Whatmough—calm on the ball, fearless without it—fits that mould. With Harness and Ledson also on board, Town are building a spine with chemistry and know-how. If he stays fit, Whatmough won’t just steady the back line—he could help lead them straight back up.
