The French midfielder aims for play-off success with his new club after a solid career in Switzerland
Category: Sports
Preston North End has officially signed French midfielder Leo Leroy from FC Basel on a three-year deal, marking a strategic addition ahead of their Championship opener against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. The 26-year-old joins the Lilywhites for an undisclosed fee, with reports indicating it could rise to approximately €3.5 million.
Leroy arrives at Deepdale following two successful years in the Swiss Super League, where he played a key role for Basel, contributing to their league title and Swiss Cup victory. His experience includes participation in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, where he made a name for himself as a reliable midfielder.
After completing the move, Leroy expressed his enthusiasm for joining the club, stating, "I’m very proud to join this club. I will give everything for this team and for the fans. There is an exciting project here at Preston and it is a big step in my career." His ambition aligns with the club's goal of making a strong push for a play-off position this season.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom welcomed Leroy's arrival, highlighting his technical skills and experience. "He's a good technical player, with great experience and someone who's comfortable getting on the ball in deep positions, but also someone who likes to join the attacks as well," Heckingbottom said. He emphasized the importance of Leroy's qualities, noting, "He’s got a really good pedigree and a calm personality. We want to make sure that we value those qualities and try to make sure that people can see what he is, because I've been impressed with the things I've seen from him."
Leroy's signing comes as a direct response to the recent transfer of former captain Ben Whiteman, who moved to Wrexham for £3 million. The club had to act quickly to fill the gap left by Whiteman, and Leroy's signing was completed in a matter of days, with an official bid accepted earlier this week. A medical was conducted on Thursday, and the announcement followed shortly thereafter.
Prior to his time at Basel, Leroy developed his career in Ligue 1 with Montpellier, where he made a name for himself as a promising midfielder. His transition to Basel allowed him to gain invaluable experience, especially in European competitions, which will be beneficial as he adapts to the competitive nature of the Championship.
In his time with Basel, Leroy made 93 appearances, scoring five goals and providing eight assists. His statistics reveal a player who contributes defensively and supports offensive play. He recorded an impressive pass completion rate of 80.7%, along with 120 defensive contributions, 62 tackles, and 148 recoveries during the 2024/25 season.
As the first French player to represent Preston North End since Youl Mawene, Leroy's arrival has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see how his style of play translates to the English game. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, he brings a physical presence to the midfield, which could prove advantageous in the Championship's often combative matches.
Looking ahead, Preston North End is set to open their Championship campaign against Bolton Wanderers, a match that will likely be a test for the newly assembled squad. Leroy's integration into the team will be closely watched, as fans hope he can quickly adapt and contribute to the club's ambitions this season.
Heckingbottom remains optimistic about Leroy's potential impact but is also mindful of the need for a bedding-in period. "We will see how he reacts and what he does. Like I said, he has missed a lot of pre-season. But we are light in terms of bodies," he noted, indicating that Leroy may not start immediately but could play a role as the match progresses.
In addition to Leroy, Preston North End continues to explore other potential signings to bolster their squad. They have made a bid for Hull City defender Cody Drameh and are interested in Oxford United winger Stanley Mills. As the transfer window approaches its closure on September 1, the club is actively seeking to strengthen their lineup in various positions to compete effectively in the Championship.
With the season set to kick off, the focus will be on how quickly Leroy can adapt to his new surroundings and whether he can help drive Preston North End toward their goal of securing a play-off spot. The match against Bolton will be a telling indicator of the team's readiness and the contributions of their latest signing.