Preston’s January transfer window was, quite frankly, ridiculous.
Eight signings in, eight departures, a complete rebuild featuring just one player signed up beyond the end of the season.
There were a number of players Preston didn’t manage to sign, such as Cedric Kipre, and Tyler Roberts is another one that was linked with a move to Deepdale.
The Daily Mail reported that Preston had made contact over a potential deal to take Roberts on loan for the rest of the season, joining a host of Championship clubs in the race.
Leeds stood firm though and wouldn’t allow Roberts to go, leaving Preston and others frustrated – and it’s a decision that seems to be working out well for them.
Roberts has seized his chance in the Leeds side of late, featuring prominently in a number 10 role behind Patrick Bamford as he finally announces himself in the Premier League.
The Welsh international has picked up assists against Arsenal and Southampton in recent games, has shown his dribbling ability – especially against Chelsea – and also puts in plenty of hard work for Bielsa’s side.
Roberts always looked like a rather ambitious target for Preston at the time, and his recent ascent into the Leeds staring line-up goes to show that North End had little chance of a deal.
Signed for £2.5million in January 2018, Roberts looks set to be out of Preston’s range for a while yet, both permanently and on loan, but finding another player like him would really add something to North End’s attacking threat.