Preston fans were left baffled when Andrew Lonergan signed for Liverpool last year – but he’s now back in North End’s division.
The Preston-born stopper is one of the bigger success stories of the Preston youth setup over the last 20 years, becoming a regular at Deepdale before moving on.
Lonergan racked up nearly 250 appearances for Preston, and then had spells with Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers, Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanders, Leeds again, Middlesbrough and Rochdale.
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A free agent in 2019, few expected Lonergan to be signing for Liverpool, but that’s exactly what he did, penning a one-year deal after a successful trial.
Lonergan didn’t make a single appearance for Liverpool, merely serving as cover for Alisson, Adrian and Caoimhin Kelleher.
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He won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time with the Reds, and left the club after they clinched their first Premier League title last season.
The 37-year-old has been a free agent ever since, but he has now returned to the Championship, joining Stoke City on a short-term contract.
The Potters have endured injury issues in goal of late; Angus Gunn has suffered ankle ligament damage, and recent free signing Niki Maenpaa got injured in training.
Lonergan went straight onto the bench in the 1-0 over Wycombe Wanderers last night, but he may not have the chance to face North End; the next meeting between the two sides is in April, and Lonergan will have to earn an extension to that short-term deal to have a chance at a reunion with his hometown club.