Preston North End have moved quick to make their first signing of the January transfer window. Rumours began to circulate on Friday morning, that Paul Heckingbottom had set his sights on Lewis Gibson as the man to help solve North End’s defensive issues.
The 24-year-old is a left-footed central defender, which fits the mould of what the club desperately need. You’d expect him to slot into the left side of a back three with reports also circling that The Lilywhites are trying to sign Honduran left-wing-back Joseph Rosales on loan from Minnesota United.
Gibson joined Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 2023 after leaving Everton. He had previously spent time on loan at Fleetwood Town, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers.
He settled with Argyle though making 63 appearances over 18 months, and even captaining them at stages this season. Despite Argyle having a tough season so far, and on the lookout for another new manager, Gibson was a bright light in a dismal campaign.
Gibson has a pass completion rate of 87.3% so far this season, with 1001 successful passes. In comparison Liam Lindsay’s is 78.6% with 583 completed passes, Jordan Storey has 77% and 793 completed passes, whilst Andrew Hughes’ figures are 77.3% and 768.
With Heckingbottom putting an emphasis on playing out from the back, Gibson looks to be an improvement on what we already have.
I spoke to the brilliantly ran Argyle weekly broadcast- Pilgrims Podcast shortly after the signing to find out what they made of the transfer. Safe to say they were disappointed to see him leave.
Plymouth fan and German football journalist Mark Lovell said “Since Michael Cooper left for Sheffield United, Lewis Gibson has been our key member of the backline. Left-central sided defender, not really a left-back, he’s been captain a few games this season, he’s a leader and he will be a huge loss for us”.
“Surprised by the move, but it’s a move back closer to his family. I heard a few other clubs; Middlesbrough and Hull City were sniffing around, but Preston just activated the clause first. It felt inevitable that he would go, he’s a top top player, good signing”.
Pilgrims Podcast host Tom Kirk said “It’s an incredible signing for Preston, hearing it’s £1.5m rising to £2m, but that is worth it, it’s a real bargain. I think he’s top six ready in the Championship. If it wasn’t for injuries and the rapid rise of Jarrad Branthwaite he’d still be on the books of Everton.”
Gibson won’t be available to play against Oxford United on Saturday but is expected to make his debut against Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on 11th January.