PNE close in on winger signing after agreeing personal terms

Preston North End are reportedly edging closer to completing their first signing of the January transfer window, with an exciting young winger set to arrive at Deepdale.

While much of the focus during the opening days of the window has centred on departures rather than arrivals, work has been ongoing behind the scenes to strengthen Paul Heckingbottom’s squad. North End have already sanctioned a couple of exits, with Harrison Armstrong returning to Everton after a productive loan spell and Stefan Thordarson on the verge of finalising a move to Hannover 96. However, attention is now turning toward incomings, with fresh reports suggesting PNE are ready to dip into the market.

According to the Irish Examiner, Preston are close to securing the services of highly rated winger Cathal O’Sullivan. The 18-year-old has been on the club’s radar for some time and now appears poised to become North End’s first addition of the winter window.

O’Sullivan, who came through the ranks at Cork City, has been monitored by PNE since last summer. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has also attracted interest from clubs such as Celtic and Crystal Palace, underlining the regard in which he is held. Despite that competition, Preston seem to have moved decisively to put themselves in pole position for his signature.

Reports suggest the teenager has already spent time at Deepdale, including attending Preston’s pre-Christmas draw with Norwich City, and has continued to visit the club in recent weeks. Those visits only intensified speculation that a move was imminent, and it now appears that confidence within the Preston camp has been justified.

The Irish Examiner claims that personal terms between O’Sullivan and North End have been agreed, with the winger set to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract. While a compensation package with Cork City is still to be finalised, this is not expected to derail the deal. O’Sullivan became a free agent after his contract at Turners Cross expired at the end of November, meaning he is free to move clubs even if the exact fee has yet to be settled.

This potential signing comes at an encouraging time for Preston, who currently sit fourth in the Championship table. With just three points separating them from the automatic promotion places, there is growing optimism around Deepdale that this could be a season to remember. Strengthening the squad, even with a long-term project like O’Sullivan, fits into a broader strategy aimed at maintaining momentum while planning for the future.

However, fans should not expect to see the winger in action anytime soon. O’Sullivan is still recovering from a serious ACL injury sustained while playing for Cork City in the League of Ireland back in July. That setback has kept him sidelined for several months, and his immediate focus will be on rehabilitation rather than first-team football.

Preston’s medical team will oversee the remainder of his recovery, with April provisionally earmarked as a potential return date. Even then, there is unlikely to be any rush to throw him straight into competitive action. Paul Heckingbottom is expected to take a cautious approach, ensuring the teenager is fully fit and ready before making his debut.

In the short term, O’Sullivan will not be available for Preston’s upcoming fixtures. The Lilywhites host Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday night, before returning to Championship action with a home clash against Derby County on Saturday, January 17. Those matches will come too soon for the young winger, who remains focused on his rehabilitation programme.

As a result, supporters may need to wait until pre-season to get their first proper glimpse of what O’Sullivan can bring to the side. That patience, however, is unlikely to dampen enthusiasm, given the player’s reputation and potential. At just 18, he represents a signing with an eye firmly on the future, rather than an immediate solution.

From Preston’s perspective, the move makes sense on multiple levels. Securing a highly regarded young talent, especially one who is technically available as a free agent, carries limited financial risk while offering significant upside. If O’Sullivan fulfils his promise, North End could have a valuable asset on their hands for years to come.

For O’Sullivan, the switch to English football offers an opportunity to continue his development in a highly competitive environment. The Championship is renowned for its physicality and intensity, but it also provides a platform for young players to grow, learn, and showcase their abilities. Preston’s current position near the top end of the table only adds to the appeal.

Although compensation negotiations with Cork City remain ongoing, there is a strong sense that the final hurdles will be cleared sooner rather than later. All indications point toward Preston completing the deal and officially welcoming O’Sullivan as their first January signing.

In a window that has so far been dominated by talk of exits, this move would signal North End’s intent to keep building, not just for the remainder of this season but for the long term. While fans will have to wait to see the winger in action, the potential arrival of Cathal O’Sullivan offers plenty of reasons for optimism as Preston North End continue their push at the top end of the Championship.