Striker Cameron Archer is heading back to Aston Villa after his Preston loan spell – but that has only encouraged North End players to start their recruitment drive.
Preston pounced to sign Archer on loan from Aston Villa back in January, landing him until the end of the season thanks to Ryan Lowe’s relationship with Steven Gerrard.
A number of clubs – including Peterborough United – subsequently missed out on Archer.
Archer became an instant hit, scoring on his debut against West Bromwich Albion.
Now in Preston folklore having scored the winner against Blackpool in April, Archer has finished his Preston stint with seven goals in 20 games.
Archer has earned huge praise throughout his time at Preston and he is now heading back to Villa.
Preston still hope to get Archer back on loan for next season but that decision rests with Gerrard.
Saturday’s 4-1 win over Middlesbrough gave Archer a chance to say goodbye to Preston, and he will now hope to shine in the Premier League next season.
Archer posted a farewell message on Instagram, thanking everybody at the club for their work with him in recent months.
Preston defender Andrew Hughes and midfielder Ben Whiteman both responded by claiming they will ‘see you next season’, seemingly hoping to convince him to come back for another season.
Alan Browne and Patrick Bauer just congratulated Archer on his time at Deepdale but for Hughes and Whiteman, it was all about recruiting Archer for next term.
Archer seems keen on coming back if Villa let him go out on loan again, so it’s just a waiting game for Preston.
It’s clear that Archer has made a big impression on the rest of the squad, so everybody at Deepdale wants him back.
It’s now over to Steven Gerrard to decide on such a move, and we can only hope that he sends Archer to Preston once again.