Sam Johnstone has a special place North End history having been born in Preston and then won promotion with the club.
Preston pounced in January 2015, taking Johnstone on loan from Manchester United after impressing at Doncaster Rovers.
Sam’s father Glenn had also played for Preston, so following in his dad’s footsteps whilst playing for his hometown team was a major moment for Johnstone.
Johnstone was outstanding for Preston, and North End won promotion without conceding a single goal in the playoffs.
From the 4-0 aggregate win over Chesterfield to the 4-0 playoff final thrashing of Swindon Town, Johnstone enjoyed a dream playoff campaign.
North End couldn’t keep Johnstone, instead signing Jordan Pickford on loan from Sunderland.
Yet when Pickford was recalled in January 2016, Johnstone returned to Preston for a month, helping tide North End over until Anders Lindegaard’s arrival.
Fast forward six years and Johnstone’s career has reached major heights.
After singing in the Premier League last season, Johnstone is now an England international and finds himself in demand.
Johnstone is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion this summer, and it looks like he won’t be short of offers.
90Min claim that Manchester United are now looking to bring Johnstone back to Old Trafford having started his career with the Red Devils.
It’s suggested that United want Johnstone as backup to David De Gea with Dean Henderson potentially leaving this summer.
United did look at Johnstone last year, but an emotional return seems more likely this time around.
Not quite being able to afford keeping Johnstone back in 2015 always feels like a real blow, and seeing him make such a big move would only hammer home that point.
Still, it’s great to see Preston’s playoff heroes thrive one way or another, and Johnstone would absolute deserve a move back to the Premier League this summer.