£800,000 Preston midfielder has medical as he nears Deepdale exit

Stefan Thordarson is edging closer to leaving Preston North End as the midfielder undergoes a medical with Hannover 96 in Germany, signaling a likely move away from Deepdale in the January transfer window.

Sources indicate that all terms for the 27-year-old Iceland international’s permanent transfer have already been agreed. The fee is reported to be around £800,000, mirroring the amount PNE paid Silkeborg in 2024 to secure Thordarson, who has earned 24 caps for his country. Since joining the Lancashire club, he has made 64 appearances, scoring three goals and registering three assists.

Thordarson played a key role during the previous campaign, featuring 39 times as Preston narrowly avoided relegation by finishing 20th in the Championship. However, this season has been more challenging for the midfielder. Despite PNE’s strong push for promotion under manager Paul Heckingbottom, Thordarson has struggled to secure regular minutes, often finding himself on the periphery of the squad.

The reduced game time has prompted interest from abroad. Hannover 96, competing in Germany’s 2.Bundesliga, approached North End early in the January window to inquire about Thordarson’s availability. Following the club’s approval for the player to hold discussions with the German side, negotiations progressed quickly, culminating in the scheduled medical.

Once the medical is passed, Thordarson will officially become the second player to depart Preston during this winter transfer window. Earlier, loanee Harrison Armstrong returned to his parent club, Everton, who recalled him to address a shortage of midfield options. Armstrong’s departure and Thordarson’s imminent exit highlight the transitional period for PNE, even as they continue to strengthen their squad.

While the Lilywhites are not expected to engage in a flurry of activity this month, the funds received from Thordarson’s transfer will provide the club with added flexibility in the market. There remains the possibility of Armstrong returning on loan once Everton’s immediate needs are resolved, which could help offset the midfielder losses.

Thordarson’s final appearances for Preston underline the shift in his role this season. He last featured as a substitute in the 84th minute against Oxford United on December 13 and has not been included in the matchday squad for the past four games. With 18 months remaining on his contract, the move to Hannover allows both the player and the club to move forward on mutually beneficial terms.

The Icelandic midfielder has shown versatility and reliability in his time at Deepdale, making him a valuable squad member. Yet, the competitive nature of Heckingbottom’s side, which is pushing for promotion to the Premier League, has limited his chances to maintain a regular starting role. The opportunity to join Hannover offers Thordarson a fresh challenge and the chance to feature more consistently at a competitive level in Germany.

For Preston, the departure represents a calculated adjustment rather than a setback. The club retains the option to reinvest the transfer funds into new signings, thereby strengthening the squad for the promotion push. North End’s management will need to balance replacing Thordarson’s contributions while maintaining momentum in a highly competitive Championship campaign.

Hannover 96, meanwhile, stands to benefit from adding an experienced and internationally capped midfielder to their roster. Thordarson’s familiarity with top-level football and his prior consistency in England’s second tier make him a valuable acquisition as they look to bolster their squad and push for promotion.

In summary, the move reflects a strategic decision for all parties involved. Thordarson gains a fresh start and more playing time in Germany, Preston can reinvest and recalibrate their squad mid-season, and Hannover acquire a proven Championship performer ready to contribute immediately. Once the medical is completed and the paperwork finalised, the transfer will mark a significant change for all three stakeholders, signaling the start of a new chapter in Thordarson’s professional career.