Transfer truth emerges over failed Sunderland, Preston North End deadline day deal | OneFootball

It has been revealed why one of Sunderland's outcasts did not move to Preston on deadline day.

Sunderland cleared plenty of deadwood from their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, and Alan Browne was expected to be part of that clear-out.

The midfielder has been surplus to requirements since the Black Cats' promotion to the top flight and spent last season on loan with Middlesbrough.

Preston North End - the 31-year-old's former club - and Blackburn Rovers were both linked with the Irishman in the summer window, and it seemed he might return to Deepdale before it shut.

However, a deal never materialised, and while many have pondered exactly why it never went through, the reasons have now been revealed.

Why Alan Browne's move from Sunderland to Preston North End didn't happen

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Browne played a part in Sunderland's rise to the Premier League, but like most who helped the club reach the summit, he has found himself unneeded at the Stadium of Light.

The midfielder's last appearance for the Wearsiders came in the first leg of the 2024/25 Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry City, where he made a one-minute cameo.

Regis Le Bris seemed to suggest that Browne would be allowed to leave the club if the right option became available ahead of deadline day, and it was a surprise that he remained in the North East.

Now, it has been revealed that Browne failed to finalise a return to Preston because he wanted a three-year deal, according to Alan Nixon.

Nixon reports that North End chased the Republic of Ireland international throughout the window, but the Black Cats only made a move to let him go in the last few days.

Furthermore, the 31-year-old was offered a two-year deal at Deepdale, but despite the money being at a high level, he wanted a longer contract.

Why a January move for Browne could be on the cards for Preston

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Browne has not featured in any of Sunderland's Premier League matchday squads so far this season and would only do so if there are multiple injuries in central midfield.

Moreover, the Irishman was not included in Le Bris' Europa League squad, with Chris Rigg and new signing Jules Ahoka among those included.

The 31-year-old's contract only runs until the summer of 2027, so his exit his imminent, but clubs may try and pursue Browne in January, when he will next be available.

Obviously, the sticking point appears to be contract length, and if the player were willing to compromise on a year, Preston might be keen to do business.

Given his age, it might be tricky for the midfielder to get what he wants, especially as he turns 32 in April; that could be the prime time to get him on a shorter contract.

What would Alan Browne offer in the Championship?

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Browne has been a reliable player in the Championship for some time, and his performances at Middlesbrough suggest he still has plenty to offer.

The midfielder made 42 appearances in all competitions last term, including three in the play-offs as Boro came painfully short of reaching the Premier League.

Although a more defensive-minded central midfielder, he offered significant threat in attacking areas, ranking in the top five per cent of Championship defensive midfielders for expected goals (xG), non-penalty xG and headed shots, according to Fotmob.

His four goals and three assists in the second tier were a throwback to his Preston days when he was a consistent performer in front of goal while a tidy all-round central midfielder.