Preston North End Faces Retained List Deadline as Rivals Confirm Departures

Preston North End is facing a looming deadline of May 18 to submit their retained list to the English Football League (EFL), which will determine the players they will keep for the 2024/25 season. The club has not yet published their list, but it is expected to be made public soon, with several key players' futures hanging in the balance.

Among the Preston players out of contract are club captain Alan Browne, who the club has been attempting to sign to a new deal, as well as Ben Woodburn, Patrick Bauer, Greg Cunningham, Ched Evans, and James Pradic. Their fates will be decided as the Lilywhites finalize theirretained listin the coming days.

Meanwhile, four of Preston's Championship rivals have already confirmed player departures ahead of the retained list deadline. Stoke City will be losing Wesley Moraes, who they signed from Aston Villa for £22m, and Tyrese Campbell. Coventry City are saying goodbye to captain Liam Kelly after seven years and over 175 games, as well as goalkeeper Simon Moore.

QPR are parting ways with veteran winger Albert Adomah, who has made 525 appearances in the EFL Championship over his career and has hinted at a return to the Midlands to prolong his playing days. The London club will also not be retaining Aaron Drewe for next season.

Rotherham United have released the most players so far, with over 10 departing, including Sean Morrison and Lee Peltier, both members of Cardiff City's promotion-winning squad in 2018. The Millers are undergoing a significant squad overhaul following their relegation from the Championship.

As Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe and his recruitment team assess their options, they may look to the free agent market, where 34 players have already been released by their clubs. This pool of available talent could provide opportunities to strengthen the squad for the challenges of the upcoming campaign.

The coming days will be crucial for Preston North End as they make decisions on the futures of key players like Alan Browne and Ched Evans. With the retained list deadline fast approaching, fans will be eagerly awaiting news of who will be staying and who will be leaving Deepdale this summer, as the club aims to build a competitive squad for the 2024/25 season in the EFL Championship.