Preston have completed the signing of Matthew Olosunde on a two-year deal, which was announced on Wednesday evening.
The deal had been in the pipeline for a while, but it is good to see the club get it over the line ahead of pre-season training.
Olosunde will be a replacement for Darnell Fisher who left in January and is capable of playing in a back four, or as a wing-back – which will suit Frankie McAvoy.
He joins from Rotherham United following the expiration of his contract, rejecting new terms with the Millers after their relegation from the Championship.
Here’s five facts about Matthew Olosunde:
Philadelphia born and raised
Olosunde was born in Philadelphia, USA, in 1998. He had a spell with New York Red Bulls as a young player and regularly represented the national youth teams. He left New York Red Bulls to further his studies and play college soccer at Duke University.
Started as a right-winger
It was whilst at New York Red Bulls that Olosunde was used primarily as a right-winger. His ability to get up and down the right flank will be priceless for North End, and his athleticism will be a huge asset. Whilst Fisher could be good in attacking situations, we rarely saw him using his pace to surge past the opposition.
One international cap
Olosunde made his one and so far only appearance for the USA national team in 2018. Aged just 20 at the time, he made his debut as a second half substitute against Bolivia. He has also played 34 times for the American youth teams.
A three year spell with Manchester United
Matthew moved to Manchester United in March 2016 when they were managed by Louis Van Gaal. He regularly played in Premier League 2 and travelled with the squad for some first-team games as well. Unfortunately he didn’t progress to make a first-team appearance but not many have broken through at United in recent years.
72 games, a promotion and a relegation with Rotherham United
The right-back has spent the last two seasons with Rotherham United. In his first they were promoted from League One, in a season where he made the sixth most tackles in the whole league (54). Last season was a bit trickier, as it so often is for The Millers who are a bit of a yo-yo team between the two leagues. He made 32 appearances in the Championship so he does have some experience at this level. He rejected a new deal with the club and was thought to be wanted by Sheffield Wednesday as well.
He also scored his only professional goal of his career last season, against Everton in the FA Cup.