Preston North End will be hoping to continue their promotion push next season after their ambitions dimmed in the second half of 2025/26.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side was in contention for a play-off spot in the first half of the previous season, but they eventually finished 14th in the table.

The Lilywhites were 13 points behind the top six and will need to use the summer to close the gap with the top clubs.

The play-offs will grow to include two more clubs in 2026/27, giving the Lancashire club a stronger opportunity of competing for a top-flight comeback.

Preston have signed Alfie Devine on a permanent basis from Tottenham Hotspur, after spending last season on loan at Deepdale.

Lee Nicholls has also joined from Huddersfield Town, while Jusef Erabi is on loan from Genk.

Milutin Osmajic’s Preston North End Future

Alan Nixon has stated that Milutin Osmajic is still training with the Preston first team group, despite rumours about his future.

The striker has been linked with Turkish club Samsunspor, but he is now in pre-season with Heckingbottom’s team.

It is expected that he will participate in their upcoming friendly against Cambridge, with reports that he has flown to Spain to arrange a move that is seen to be off the mark.

Osmajic’s contract is slated to expire in June 2027, which has fueled speculation over his future, as he might become a free agent at the end of next season.

The 26-year-old scored eight goals and added one assist in 28 Championship games last season, but his stint at Deepdale has been marred by discipline troubles, including a nine-game suspension for racially abusing an opposing player.

Preston North End fans believe Milutin Osmajic’s market value is around €4 million (£3.4 million) and that his future may not be with the club.

Preston begin their campaign away to Bolton Wanderers on 15 August.

Time to cash in on Milutin Osmajic.

Osmajic’s contract expires in the next 12 months, so Preston should sell the player if an offer comes in.

The forward has demonstrated his potential to contribute goals at this level, but his discipline troubles make him a liability that is no longer worth the risk.

If they can raise a few million dollars from his sale, it may help them find a replacement, such as Kenny.

While he is still with the squad for pre-season, there is still plenty of time in the window to find an acceptable deal to move Osmajic, which would benefit both parties at this point.