Sheffield Wednesday‘s excessive financial trouble, with Dejphon Chansiri as the Owls’ owner, has offered other Championship sides some glorious opportunities in the transfer window. Preston North End are looking to capture another Wednesday man after their previous Pol Valentín addition.
With Wednesday on the brink of a potential breakthrough in terms of the club’s anticipated sale, Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston have been keeping close tabs on versatile defender, Max Lowe. The former Sheffield United left-back – prior to his controversial switch to Hillsborough – is of reported interest to North End’s head coach and as an asset who is very familiar to the 47-year-old’s tactical mould.
Lowe featured 26 times in the Blades’ 2022/23 Championship campaign, where United were consequently promoted to the top flight. Heckingbottom utilised the 28-year-old as an attacking full-back with Lowe providing five league assists and scoring a goal. The former Derby County graduate is now being linked with a move to Deepdale to reconnect with Heckingbottom.
Important Summer Business
PNE have already had an exceptionally busy start to the window, with six new additions strengthening and rebuilding the reformed squad set-up. Valentín has already arrived at Preston, sealing a free transfer following his contract expiry with Wednesday. The Lilywhites are reportedly seeking another option to be deployed at left wing-back as well as the left-sided defender in a back three. With Thierry Small’s four-year deal allowing a more flexible approach to the North End line-up, Lowe would provide important competition as well as a flanking partnership with the 20-year-old.
It Works Both Ways
Going the other direction, newly-released Cole McGhee has joined Sheffield Wednesday following his academy contract conclusion with Preston. McGhee will be utilised in the under-21 set-up at Hillsborough, but this highlights the pre-existing connection between the two Championship sides on the transfer front.
Lowe would provide vast experience for North End, with loan stints in his early career comprising of Shrewsbury Town, Aberdeen and Nottingham Forest, as well as the three aforementioned, permanent homes for the 28-year-old. The former England under-20s representative completed 1.78 tackles and 1.37 interceptions per 90 last season. 37 appearances in all competitions last season for the Owls saw a decrease in goal involvements but further proved his importance as a defensively-sound option.
Writer’s View
Preston have massively strengthened their defensive line, particularly with Small providing a more transitional role from defensive to attacking plays. Valentín and Odel Offiah – who signed from Brighton and Hove Albion on a permanent basis – will likely battle for the right-back position, or work in tandem as right-sided partners of the North End set-up.
Lowe could cement a place as a starting left-sided centre-back too, in a back three which would push Lewis Gibson into the centre – where the former Plymouth Argyle defender has been imperious for North End since arriving in January – and leave Jordan Storey and Offiah healthily competing for the right-sided role.
The prior link with Heckingbottom could see the 28-year-old’s best form brought out. The former Sheffield United boss has already re-connected with Daniel Jebbison at Deepdale this summer, following the striker’s loan move from AFC Bournemouth, and the 47-year-old will be hoping for Lowe to follow suit.
