When Preston signed Andre Green on Thursday evening, the comparisons with Callum Robinson were always going to emerge.
Green has penned a season-long loan deal from Villa, bolstering North End’s wide options. Ultimately, Green has been signed to play down the left flank, taking Robinson’s role.
Both Green and Robinson came up through the Aston Villa ranks, and both earned caps for England from Under-16 to Under-20 levels. Robinson made the move to Deepdale in 2014 to develop his game – and now Green has done the same.
Robinson developed rapidly after Alex Neil’s arrival in 2017, and has now earned his move to the Premier League with Sheffield United. Green will be looking to do similar with Preston, and may also face a similar decision about his future.
Unless Green has a remarkable season, he may find it difficult to break back in at Villa. They’re splashing the cash freely this summer, and if Said Benrahma completes his move to Villa Park, that will be four wingers signed this summer.
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Villa are quickly looking to re-establish themselves in the top flight, and Green – now 21 – may need to leave Villa permanently to further his career, just as Robinson did three years ago.
The pair seemingly know each other from their Villa days, and Green has now revealed that he spoke to Robinson on the way to signing for Preston.
Green has told North End’s official website that Robinson only had great things to say about North End, and told him exactly what to expect upon arriving at Deepdale.
Robinson also explained Alex Neil’s style of play, and Green was eager to join after seeing how much Robinson enjoyed playing for North End.
“I was speaking to Callum on my way here and he has only said positive things about the club,” said Green. “He has helped me a lot in terms of what to expect when I come here and what I need to be aware of and everything was perfect for the way I want to play. He has nothing but good things to say and you could see that he was enjoying his football while he was here,” he added.