Josh Harrop finds himself in a difficult situation as he returns for another pre-season at Preston.
The playmaker was an exciting signing on this day in 2017; he had scored on his first Manchester United start on the final day of the 2016-17 season, and snubbed a new deal at Old Trafford to join North End for £650,000.
We’ve seen flashes of Harrop’s quality, and he enjoyed great moments in the 2019-20 season, but last term was really difficult.
Even after signing a new contract last summer, he couldn’t nail down a place in the side, and with Alex Neil unconvinced, Harrop was sent on loan to Ipswich Town.
That really didn’t help Harrop. He managed just three starts for the Tractor Boys, notching only one assist and picking up a red card.
Off the back of such a disappointing spell in League One, Harrop was already facing an uphill battle over his Preston future.
That task has just become even harder.
On Tuesday, Preston completed the signing of Izzy Brown. The former Chelsea man has signed a one-year deal with the option of a second.
Playing predominantly as a number 10, Brown can also play on the left flank or in midfield – the areas Harrop would play in.
Brown’s arrival may just spell the end for Harrop, who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in his four years at the club.
Having only signed a new deal last summer, there could be a chance for him to turn things around, but it’s hard to see him playing the key role we all envisioned for him.