Preston made their fourth signing of the summer last week by landing Matthew Olosunde – but they asked Jesse Marsch about it first.
North End went into this transfer window needing to sign a new right back, having failed to truly replace Darnell Fisher following his January exit.
With Olosunde rejecting a new deal at Rotherham, he has now joined Preston on a two-year deal. It’s fair to assume that the American will now be North End’s first-choice right back.
Olosunde is the latest former Manchester United talent to join North End, and he may be hoping to enhance his international hopes with his move.
The 23-year-old has one cap for the United States, but they have a number of right back options – DeAndre Yedlin, Sergino Dest and Reggie Cannon are all in contention there.
What’s interesting is that North End consulted a former American star about Olosunde, with boss Frankie McAvoy close to Jesse Marsch.
These are the connections you almost never really think about, but McAvoy did his Pro Licence coaching badges alongside Marsch, and McAvoy visited Marsch at New York Red Bulls.
Olosunde was in the New York Red Bulls ranks under Marsch, who is now a Champions League manager with RB Leipzig having moved over from Red Bull Salzburg this summer.
McAvoy used that connection to his benefit, asking Marsch for a reference on Olosunde before striking the deal – and it will be fascinating to see if McAboy uses this link again with future American transfer targets.
“Matthew had been a young player there and Jesse had worked with him. He’d gone to Manchester United when I went there,” McAvoy told the Lancashire Evening Post. “I’ve had a good chat with Jesse, we spoke about Matthew for a reference. We’re delighted to get him, he’s dynamic down that right side,” he added.