Billy Bodin’s future at Preston has been in doubt for a while now, and it looks like a decision has been made.
The Welsh winger joined North End from Bristol Rovers for £400,000 in January 2018, penning a two-and-a-half-year deal at the time.
Bodin signed a one-year extension last season, with Preston keen to keep him at the club and see if he could bounce back from injury woes.
A torn ACL and a number of niggling injuries kept Bodin out of action, but it was clear that he had great talent when fit.
Pre-season goals against West Ham United and Southampton stand out, with Bodin having the ability to conjure up a bit of magic with his close control and wand of a left foot.
Sadly, Bodin’s season has again been marred by knocks and competition for places. The 29-year-old has played just four times in the league, with his only start coming on the opening day of the season.
His total minutes played in 2021 is just 34, and with his contract up this summer, it has looked for a while like Preston would let him go.
Now, Bodin has taken to Twitter to bid farewell to North End, thanking the club for the last three-and-a-half years.
Bodin admitted that he is disappointed not to have played more having returned to fitness earlier this year, failing to get a crack under Alex Neil or Frankie McAvoy.
The wide man added that he is looking forward to the fresh challenge ahead, hinting that is indeed leaving the club even if Preston haven’t yet confirmed it.
Editor’s update: Preston have now confirmed Bodin’s exit, alongside Louis Moult, Josh Ginnelly, Graham Burke and David Nugent.