Preston North End have taken two players on trial during a very buys summer window. One decision is reportedly nearing a signature, but the other has now been announced with Andrija Vukčević arriving at Deepdale.
The Montenegro international featured once in the Lilywhites’ Spanish training camp. A 0-0 draw with Getafe highlighted the wing-back as a particularly impressive option within the squad rotation. Shay Reid is the other trialist reportedly being lined up for a permanent move.
Paul Heckingbottom added the 28-year-old to an important area of the squad officially yesterday. Thierry Small, from Charlton Athletic, was bought as a long-term asset with high upsell value. Robbie Brady’s contract extension has also boosted this position’s strength.
Vukčević has featured 17 times for the Montenegro national side, including in their two recent games against Armenia and Czechia (World Cup Qualification).
The defender began his career in 2013, with Buducnost Podgorica, where the 28-year-old featured 81 times until January 2016. Important later spells with Rijeka, FC Juarez and Cartagena are the defender’s most recent clubs.
After confirming his move to the Lancashire side, the experienced full-back had this to say to the club’s media team:
“I’m really happy to be here. Since day one, everyone has been kind to me since I joined them in Spain. They helped me with everything I needed.
“I’m really, really delighted to be here. Now I want to showcase my abilities to show what I can do on the pitch and I’m sure that we’re going to share some beautiful memories together.”
Preston manager, Heckingbottom, also highlighted the key strengths the 28-year-old will bring to the North End lineup:
“We’ve been really happy with Andy since he joined us out in Spain.
“He has a great attitude in training, gives his all every day, and he’s shown what he can do in the friendlies he’s played in. He gives us real pace and power down the left-hand side of the pitch and adds to our options in that area.”
Writer’s View
Despite fans feeling potentially underwhelmed with this signature, considering their links to Max Lowe from Sheffield Wednesday, this is a very important addition on a free basis. Vukčević will add experience, pace and power to the back line, as well as cover for Small and Brady in the advanced left-defensive position.
