Preston North End takeover can unlock Barnsley transfer – “We will have the money” for £8m man | OneFootball

FLW’s Preston fan pundit has commented on the Lilywhites being linked with a move for inform Barnsley man Reyes Cleary.

Preston North End will be having one eye on next season as they look set for a 12th straight campaign in the Championship.

There was bound to be some anxiety creeping in that the Lilywhites were getting sucked into a relegation battle following a winless run of seven games from the beginning of February through to March, but since then, there has been a resurgence under Paul Heckingbottom.

In typical Championship style, Preston are now unbeaten in four games and are now sitting comfortably in mid-table - taking 57 points from their 42 league outings.

Therefore, Preston will be in the second tier for the 2026-27 term, meaning they can give some thought as to what they want their squad to look like heading into the new campaign.

And rumours have already been swirling, particularly with who Preston are looking to add to their wide areas.

With interest of a takeover coming from US-born Saudi businessman Amr Zedan, Preston may have an influx of funds to attack the summer transfer window with, and the Lancashire outfit are reportedly keen on a move for Barnsley wideman Reyes Cleary.

Coming from Alan Nixon last weekend, Preston are set to battle the likes of Sheffield United, Hull City and Swansea City for the former West Brom man.

Of course, a move for Cleary is dependent on whether Preston secure an agreement to make Lewis Dobbin’s loan spell from Aston Villa a permanent one, but Cleary may be available on a cheaper deal than the £8m price-tag the Tykes set in the last January transfer window, so this could be appealing for Preston to pursue.

Despite Barnsley having quite a mediocre season, Cleary has been one of the standout stars in League One this term, recording six goals and 12 assists from 36 league appearances.

And at 21, there is huge potential for Cleary to go on and do better things in the English game, with talks for a call-up to the Championship growing louder and louder.

With this in mind, FLW’s Preston fan pundit has commented on whether he would welcome Cleary to Deepdale this summer.

Speaking to Football League World, Preston North End fan pundit Darren Watson believes the Lilywhites should be going all out to secure the signing of Reyes Cleary if Lewis Dobbin’s loan move from Aston Villa isn’t made permanent, believing the 21-year-old can make the leap up to the Championship and “make a big difference” to the Preston squad.

Darren told FLW: “Personally, for me, I think the club should be looking at this guy (Cleary). Obviously, he’s got bags of potential and could make the step-up to the Championship. If we don’t get Lewis Dobbin, this is someone we may have to go and get.

“With the takeover, we will have the money and funds for the Alfie Devine deal. I think Devine will be a Preston player, as long as he accepts terms and we can afford him.

"I think a deal was agreed previously before the news of the takeover, but we need him to agree terms, and with this takeover, maybe this has enticed him with a better wage to come to Deepdale, be a starter and be the first name on the teamsheet.

“But back to this guy (Cleary), bags of potential, and I really do think Preston should be looking at him. His stats look really good, and he looks like somebody who can definitely make the step-up to the Championship and actually make a big difference in the squad, if we don’t sign Lewis Dobbin, which I think is a bit of a stretch, as Aston Villa’s asking price is a bit high, even for Preston’s standards.”

After a stellar campaign in League One and Barnsley set to possess one of the lowest wage budgets in the third tier next season, it’s highly likely that Reyes Cleary will be moved on and allowed to thrive on the Championship stage.

He definitely deserves the opportunity given his contributions for the Tykes, operating on the left-wing and striking fear into opposition defenders with his turn of pace, eye for a pass and clinical edge when getting into shooting opportunities.

It will be a battle for Preston to secure his signature with many second tier rivals competing alongside the Lilywhites, but the prospect of an exciting takeover could push the Lancashire outfit to the front of the queue, while it would be a real bonus to get such an exciting attacking player on their books, who is on the top of his game.

While Preston supporters will be disappointed if a permanent move for Lewis Dobbin doesn’t come off, there could well be a silver lining in Cleary, who possesses the confidence and ability to be a fabulous Championship asset after proving his worth in the third tier.