Earlier this week, Preston were linked with a move to sign Charlton Athletic defender Patrick Bauer. Now, North End are allegedly pursuing one of his Addicks teammates, also available for free.
This time, it’s midfielder Jonny Williams on the radar. The Daily Mail claim that Preston are chasing his signature, but face competition from QPR and Swansea.
Williams, 25, impressed in Sunday’s League One playoff final against Sunderland, coming on as a substitute. However, Charlton have released him, citing that his wages are too much to take on.
The Welsh international made 19 appearances for the Addicks having signed in January, attempting to put injury woes behind him. Now available for free, North End are allegedly keen.
Williams is hard-working and creative, playing predominantly as an attacking midfielder. He ticks some boxes for Preston; he’s of a good age, he’s got Championship and international experience, and he’s available for nothing.
Yet those injury problems should be a concern. North End had enough problems with injuries this season without adding another issue into the mix. Some will even recall Williams seeing a psychiatrist last season to discuss his injury woes, from the Sunderland Netflix series.
If he was dependable injury-wise, Williams could be a smart addition to the North End side. Yet those concerns just seem to much to ignore, with Preston needing to avoid those injury-prone players.