Preston North End started their latest Championship campaign with a 1-1 away draw with Queens Park Rangers yesterday. Paul Heckingbottom’s side are actively searching for more firepower.
The Lilywhites have been linked with a few striking options over the course of a busy window for North End, namely Richard Kone. With ten new additions, the priority of an exciting partner for Miltin Osmajić has been exemplified in a new summer rumour. According to Alan Nixon, another Scandinavian option could be brought in at Deepdale as an 11th signing.
Gent’s Andri Gudjohnsen has been lauded as Preston’s latest candidate for the number nine role. The Iceland full international has had spells with Real Madrid Castilla, IFK Norrköping, Lyngby and Gent. Seemingly falling out of favour at the Belgian First Division A side, the 23-year-old could be seeking a new environment to continue his development.
Gudjohnsen featured in both of Iceland’s latest friendlies, scoring in a 3-1 win over Scotland and playing the full 90 against Northern Ireland too. 13 appearances in the UEFA Conference League last season shows the striker’s European calibre. The 2023/24 campaign prior, saw Gudjohnsen feature 33 times for Superligaen side, Lyngby, scoring 15 goals and providing an assist.
Persuasion From International Partner?
The Icelandic forward could be partnered and persuaded by fellow international teammate Stefan Thordarson, who features regularly in Heckingbottom’s PNE midfield. 34 international first-team appearances, with nine goals to show, could see the Lilywhites offer a seven-figure fee for this reunion at club level.
North End recently announced the loan signing of Alfie Devine from Tottenham Hotspur, marking their tenth of the summer. The young prospect was brought in to raise the level of creative threat in the lineup and looked very direct in a fairly short debut against QPR.
Writer’s View
This would be a real coup for Preston. With Gudjohnsen’s International experience and goalscoring capability, Heckingbottom should be pleased with this apparent interest. Osmajić could be partnered perfectly with the 23-year-old, adding another sellable asset that North End can develop. This model has seemingly started to appear at Deepdale again, with the purchases of Thierry Small and Odel Offiah reflecting that.
If Preston can capture the striker, and allow him to rediscover his form with Lyngby, then this will be a fantastic acquisition for the fans that have been crying out for more attacking prowess.
