Preston North End are set to complete the signing of Northern Irish teenager Shay Reid after beating off interest from Celtic, Wrexham, Aberdeen and Luton Town.
Reid, who has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the Irish League system, impressed during a recent trial at Deepdale. The front man is expected to sign a two-year scholarship followed by a one-year professional contract. Personal terms are understood to be close to completion, with his agent Benjamin Heath negotiating the final details.
Reid Chooses Deepdale After Standout Trial Performances
His trial with Preston has been a huge success: he scored and assisted in a 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday, before netting twice and laying on another in a 4-3 victory against Wrexham. Those performances were enough to convince Preston to move quickly and secure a deal.
Reid has spent the last two seasons developing at Cliftonville, where he joined from Glendowan in west Belfast. He scored 36 goals across youth and reserve levels during the 2023–24 season and went even better last term, finishing with 51 in all competitions. His scoring exploits earned him opportunities with the Cliftonville first team during pre-season, while also attracting scouts from across Britain.
Although he previously spent time on trial with Celtic, and was monitored closely by Wrexham and Aberdeen, Preston appear to have offered the clearest pathway to senior football. The deal is expected to be finalised before the end of August, with the club viewing Reid as a long-term development project within their academy structure.
The move continues a growing trend of young Northern Irish talent making the jump across the water, and reflects Cliftonville’s increasing reputation for youth development. Manager Jim Magilton has been vocal in encouraging young players to take the next step, and Reid becomes the latest name to follow that route.
His rise comes at a time when Preston are investing in youth across the board, having added several scholars this summer and prioritised recruitment at under-18 and under-21 levels. Reid’s arrival will be seen as a statement signing given the calibre of clubs previously linked with the teenage striker.
Writer’s View
Shay Reid’s goal record at youth level speaks for itself, but it was his composure and creativity in trial games that sealed this move. Preston North End have acted decisively to beat several bigger names to his signature, and the combination of scholarship and professional deal suggests they see him as more than just a project.
With a shortage of natural finishers coming through in the UK game, Reid’s instincts in front of goal could make him a valuable asset. For Cliftonville, it is further vindication of their development model, and for Reid, the platform is now set.
