Preston North End FC Forwards 2024/25
Preston North End FC, one of the most storied clubs in English football, has always prided itself on a rich history and a commitment to nurturing talent. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club’s forward line is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a blend of experienced campaigners, emerging stars, and shrewd acquisitions, Preston’s attacking options promise to deliver goals, creativity, and excitement for the Deepdale faithful. In this post, we take an in-depth look at every forward currently on the books at Preston North End, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and what they bring to the team.
Emil Riis Jakobsen
Emil Riis Jakobsen, the Danish striker, has become a fan favorite at Deepdale since his arrival in 2020. Born in Denmark, Riis began his career at Randers FC before moving to Derby County in 2016. After a stint in the Netherlands with Vendsyssel FF, he joined Preston for a reported fee of £1.2 million. Standing at 6’2”, Riis combines physicality with technical ability, making him a nightmare for defenders. His pace and direct running have been key to his success, and he has consistently been among the club’s top scorers since his arrival. In the 2023/24 season, he netted 15 goals across all competitions, showcasing his ability to perform in crucial moments. Riis’s work rate and versatility allow him to play both as a central striker and on the wing, providing manager Ryan Lowe with tactical flexibility. With his contract extended until 2026, Riis remains a cornerstone of Preston’s attack.
Ched Evans
Ched Evans, the Welsh forward, brings a wealth of experience to Preston North End’s forward line. Born in St Asaph, Wales, Evans began his career at Manchester City before making a name for himself at Sheffield United. After a spell at Chesterfield and a return to Bramall Lane, he joined Preston in 2021. Known for his physical presence and aerial ability, Evans is a traditional target man who excels in holding up play and bringing teammates into the game. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Evans remains a valuable asset, particularly in set-piece situations. His leadership and experience have been instrumental in guiding younger players, and his knack for scoring crucial goals has endeared him to the Preston faithful. Evans’s contract runs until 2025, and while he may not start every game, his impact off the bench and in the dressing room cannot be understated.
Troy Parrott
Troy Parrott, the Irish international, joined Preston North End on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022 before making the move permanent in 2023 for a fee of £500,000. Born in Dublin, Parrott came through the ranks at Spurs, where he was highly regarded as one of the club’s brightest prospects. A technically gifted forward, Parrott is known for his intelligent movement, composure in front of goal, and ability to link play. His versatility allows him to operate as a central striker or in a deeper role, where he can influence the game with his passing and vision. Parrott’s development at Preston has been impressive, and he has grown into a key player for both club and country. In the 2023/24 season, he contributed 12 goals and 7 assists, highlighting his importance to the team. At just 22 years old, Parrott’s potential is immense, and he is widely seen as a future star for Preston North End.
Liam Delap
Liam Delap, the young English forward, joined Preston North End on loan from Manchester City in the summer of 2024. The son of former Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap, Liam has been on the radar of top clubs since his early days in Derby County’s academy. A powerful and dynamic striker, Delap is known for his explosive pace, physicality, and eye for goal. His time at Preston marks his fourth loan spell away from Manchester City, having previously featured for Stoke City, Preston’s Championship rivals, and Hull City. Delap’s arrival has added a new dimension to Preston’s attack, with his ability to stretch defenses and create space for teammates. Despite his youth, Delap has already shown maturity beyond his years, and his hunger to prove himself at the highest level is evident. With a point to prove, Delap is expected to play a pivotal role in Preston’s quest for success in the 2024/25 season.
Finlay Cross-Adair
Finlay Cross-Adair, the homegrown talent, is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Preston North End’s academy in recent years. Born in Preston, Cross-Adair has been with the club since the age of nine, progressing through the ranks with distinction. A versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, Cross-Adair is known for his technical ability, quick feet, and eye for goal. His breakthrough into the first team came during the 2023/24 season, where he made several impactful appearances off the bench. Cross-Adair’s development has been closely monitored by the coaching staff, and he is seen as a player with the potential to become a regular starter in the near future. His commitment to the club and understanding of Preston’s values make him a fan favorite, and his progression is a testament to the club’s investment in youth development.
Will Keane
Will Keane, the experienced English forward, joined Preston North End in 2023 after a successful spell at Wigan Athletic. Born in Stockport, Keane began his career at Manchester United, where he was highly rated as a youth player. Despite struggling to break into the first team at Old Trafford, Keane has enjoyed a productive career in the Championship, with stints at Hull City, Ipswich Town, and Wigan. A clever and composed striker, Keane is known for his intelligent movement, link-up play, and ability to score from tight angles. His experience and calmness in front of goal have been invaluable for Preston, particularly in high-pressure situations. Keane’s leadership and professionalism have also made him a respected figure in the dressing room. With a contract running until 2025, Keane remains a key part of Preston’s forward line, providing both goals and guidance to the younger players.
Mikey O’Neill
Mikey O’Neill, another product of Preston North End’s academy, is a forward with immense potential. Born in Preston, O’Neill has been with the club since the age of eight, rising through the ranks with his impressive performances at youth level. A quick and agile forward, O’Neill is known for his dribbling ability, close control, and knack for scoring spectacular goals. His breakthrough into the first team came during the 2022/23 season, and he has since become a regular feature in matchday squads. O’Neill’s versatility allows him to play as a winger or a second striker, making him a valuable asset for Ryan Lowe. Despite his young age, O’Neill has shown a maturity and work ethic that bode well for his future. With the club keen to nurture his talent, O’Neill is expected to play an increasingly important role in the 2024/25 season.
Conclusion
Preston North End’s forward line for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and potential. From the physicality of Emil Riis Jakobsen to the technical brilliance of Troy Parrott, and the raw talent of Finlay Cross-Adair and Mikey O’Neill, the club boasts a diverse array of attacking options. The addition of Liam Delap on loan adds further depth and quality, while the experience of Ched Evans and Will Keane provides invaluable leadership. As Preston aims to build on recent seasons and push for promotion, the contributions of these forwards will be crucial. With a mix of homegrown talent and shrewd signings, the future looks bright for Preston North End’s attack. The Deepdale faithful can look forward to a season filled with goals, excitement, and the promise of success.