New £2m Preston North End update could hand Oxford United big boost | OneFootball

A £2 million deal between Middlesbrough and Preston North End could be about to hand Oxford United a big boost ahead of League One's 2026/27 season...

Preston North End look set to strengthen their attacking options with the permanent arrival of Delano Burgzorg from Middlesbrough, and it could be helpful for Oxford United ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Of course, Oxford United will not be a part of that conversation but Preston North End have been sniffing around some of their players this summer. Instead, Preston are set to sign Delano Burgzorg after a deal worth around £2 million was agreed with Middlesbrough.

Having survived another season in the second tier, Preston have recognised the need to add greater versatility and depth in the final third. Burgzorg fits that brief well. While his loan spell at Bristol City during the second half of last season produced just one goal and one assist in 16 appearances, raw numbers do not tell the full story of the Dutchman.

Middlesbrough forward Delano Burgzorg is closing in on a move to Preston

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Burgzorg's ability to play as a striker or on either wing gives a manager like Paul Heckingbottom greater tactical flexibility over the course of a long campaign. At 27, Burgzorg also arrives with Championship experience already under his belt and offers Preston another athletic option capable of stretching defences in behind.

Given the relentless nature of the Championship schedule, having players who can fill multiple positions is often just as valuable as signing an out-and-out goalscorer. Preston are looking to establish themselves comfortably in the division yet again after avoiding the drop, while clubs that fell through the trapdoor continue rebuilding for life in League One.

One of those clubs is Oxford United, and Preston's latest move could have implications beyond Deepdale. The Lilywhites have long been linked with Stan Mills, per Pete O'Rourke. With the young winger impressing during Oxford's relegation last season despite the club's difficult circumstances.

The 22-year-old showed flashes of the quality that made him such a highly-rated prospect, providing energy, pace, and creativity even in a struggling side, and Oxford would undoubtedly love to have him for at least one more campaign. He only managed three goals and four assists, but could be so much more in a more attack-minded team.

Preston adding Burgzorg to an already competitive attacking group could increase Mills' chances of remaining at the Kassam Stadium. While Burgzorg and Mills are not identical players, they both offer versatility across the front line.That would be especially significant given Oxford's current transfer embargo.

Stan Mills' career stats so far with Oxford and Everton

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Since leaving Everton, Mills has taken significant strides in his development with Oxford. The winger has matured physically and technically, becoming a more consistent attacking threat now.

Even during Oxford's relegation from the Championship, Mills showed enough flashes of quality to underline why he remains regarded so highly. His pace and direct running continue to make him an intriguing prospect, and regular football has only enhanced his reputation.

Given that progress, it would be no surprise if Championship clubs continue to monitor his situation right up until the transfer deadline, but the latest development is an excellent one if you are a fan of Oxford in League One.

Oxford United handed huge boost amid transfer restrictions

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With restrictions limiting Oxford's ability to strengthen the squad, retaining players already familiar with the club has become even more important. Rather than needing to source another wide attacker from an increasingly difficult market, the U's could instead focus their limited flexibility on reinforcing other areas of the squad.

For Mills himself, another year playing regular senior football could be invaluable. Minutes are often the most important currency for young players' development, and he is far more likely to receive them at Oxford than if he finds himself lower down the pecking order at Preston.

Nothing is guaranteed until Burgzorg officially signs and Preston's plans for Mills become clearer. However, if Middlesbrough's Dutch attacker does arrive for £2 million, Oxford supporters will have every reason to hope it nudges the door open for Mills to spend the entire 2026/27 season in League One.