Preston North End facing Milutin Osmajic transfer dilemma - Amr Zedan takeover will prove key | OneFootball

Milutin Osmajic's future at Preston North End hinges on Amr Zedan's prospective takeover.

Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic will enter the final 12 months of his contract at Deepdale in July, which has got manager Paul Heckingbottom sweating.

The forward arrived from Spanish side Cadiz in 2023 and has been embroiled in his fair share of controversy throughout his time in England, having faced multiple lengthy suspensions through incidents on the pitch.

Despite his lack of discipline, Osmajic has emerged as a key player for the Lancashire club over the last three seasons, netting 31 goals in 108 outings across all competitions since his arrival, with eight in 27 Championship outings this term.

The 26-year-old penned a four-year contract when he arrived in north-west England back in 2023, meaning he will enter the final 12 months of his contract before the new season begins.

Preston boss Heckingbottom has previously stated that he doesn't want his star striker to enter the final year of his deal without a resolution, but a fresh update could throw a spanner in the works ahead of any potential contract negotiations between the two parties.

Fresh Milutin Osmajic contract update issued - Preston North End facing adilemma

North End sit slap bang in the middle of the Championship table with one game remaining in the season, which is a platform they will hope they can build on next term.

With a prospective takeover from US-Saudi businessman Amr Zedan, things could well be looking up for the Lilywhites, who are in need of new ownership and investment to take themselves to the next level.

However, Osmajic's future could hinge on the completion of the takeover led by Zedan, according to reports from journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon page.

Nixon revealed that the Montenegrin international striker could be sold to raise funds in the upcoming summer transfer window, should the takeover bid end up falling flat.

Heckingbottom is reportedly keen to bring in fresh faces over the summer, but with funds limited without a takeover, Osmajic could be the man to make way, should the Lancashire club need to add to their transfer kitty.

Preston were heavily reliant on loans this season and it's expected that will be the case again next term, should the consortium led by Zedan fail to acquire the club.

Preston North End takeover success will play a key part in 2026/27 plans

Preston's potential takeover would be aptly timed should it come in the summer, as the club is currently in a huge transitional period ahead of a season that could go either way for them, depending on what happens behind the scenes.

Key players such as Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin will depart the club in the summer when their loans expire, and if Zedan's acquisition isn't completed by then, Heckingbottom will have a difficult time replacing them with a limited budget - let alone trying to land them on a permanent basis, even if there is a buy option in Devine's deal with Tottenham.

This could have a knock-on effect on player sales, as other key players such as Osmajic could be moved on in a bid to raise funds for any incomings, leaving the Lancashire club in a difficult situation.

With that in mind, everyone at Deepdale will be hoping the takeover bid gets completed in the near future, as Preston's season will hinge on whether they have the funds to compete in the Championship, whilst retaining their key players.