Former Preston boss Alex Neil is back in the game after becoming Sunderland boss – and don’t be surprised to see him target Tom Barkhuizen there.
North End sacked Neil in March 2021, making a change after a pretty dismal start to the year.
Neil spent almost four years as Preston boss having arrived in the summer of 2017, and most of his work at Deepdale was very positive.
Usually well-drilled and finishing above clubs with much bigger budgets, Neil’s Preston side punched above their weight.
The end of the Scot’s reign was sad to see, and it’s almost a surprise that it has taken until now for Neil to return to management.
Sunderland have given Neil a rolling 12-month contract, and he opened his account with a 1-1 draw against AFC Wimbledon.
Neil may be tempted to come back and sign some Preston players this summer, with Barkhuizen the stand-out candidate.
Barkhuizen is out of contract this summer, which immediately makes him appealing. As a free agent, Barkhuizen is bound to attract plenty of interest.
It doesn’t look like Preston will be giving Barkhuizen a new deal as things stand. Patrick Bauer and Andrew Hughes recently penned new deals, but there has been nothing on Barkhuizen.
Injuries have played a part at the worst possible time for Barkhuizen, as Ryan Lowe just hasn’t had enough of a chance to see him in action.
If Barkhuizen does go, reuniting with Neil makes total sense after their relationship at Preston.
Barkhuizen was a vital part of Neil’s side and has spoken incredibly highly of Neil.
When Barkhuizen signed a new deal in 2019, he made it clear that Neil was the main reason for his decision to stay.
Barkhuizen also admitted in October that he still has a great relationship with Neil, thanking him over pretty much anybody else he crossed paths with at Preston.
Sunderland have a few wingers already but Nathan Broadhead and Jack Clarke are only on loan from Everton and Tottenham respectively.
A longer-term option could be Barkhuizen, giving Neil a player he knows and trusts without breaking the bank.
It looks like Barkhuizen’s time at Preston is coming to an end, and if he does become a free agent, expect Neil to explore a Sunderland move.