Preston North End have today confirmed the signing of striker Connor Wickham, handing him a contract until January 2022.
PNE first took Wickham on trial in August. Wickham attended the 1-0 home win over Peterborough United and has been with the club since.
Wickham started against Walsall Reserves last week, having a penalty saved in a 1-1 draw.
That didn’t deter PNE though, as they have now given the experienced striker a four-month contract.
Details of Wickham’s PNE move
PNE will give Wickham until January to get fir and firing, with the hope that he can shine and pen a longer-term deal.
Of course, the risk is that Wickham stars and then goes elsewhere for free in January.
Wickham has now been given the number 21 shirt at Deepdale – the same number he wore at Crystal Palace.
Maybe that’s why Ali McCann took number 13 after all!
Wickham’s history
Wickham was a hot prospect at Ipswich Town. Sunderland swooped in 2011, paying £8million rising to £12million.
After four mixed years on Wearside, Wickham joined Crystal Palace for £8million in 2015.
In 120 Premier League outings for Sunderland and Palace, Wickham managed 19 goals.
Injuries have been Wickham’s biggest problem, and he didn’t make a senior appearance at all last season.
PNE will now hope to get the best out of Wickham in the coming months, bolstering Frankie McAvoy’s squad in the process.