Preston North End are set to complete the signing of Lewis Dobbin on loan from Aston Villa, according to reports, as Paul Heckingbottom closes in on his 11th summer addition at Deepdale.
The versatile attacker, 22, is expected to arrive on a temporary deal and would become North End’s third loan recruit of the window following the arrivals of Daniel Jebbison and Alfie Devine.
Dobbin’s Championship pedigree
Dobbin was signed permanently by Aston Villa from Everton last summer in a deal worth around £9m, with midfielder Tim Iroegbunam moving the other way in a transfer of the same value.
Since then, he has gained experience across multiple loan spells in the Championship. The forward spent the first half of the 2024/25 season with Norwich City, making 18 appearances and scoring twice before a calf injury cut short his time at Carrow Road. He had previously been with West Bromwich Albion earlier in the campaign, and has shown flashes of his ability at second-tier level.
Dobbin is no stranger to the EFL either, having enjoyed a highly productive spell with Derby County in League One during the 2022/23 season. Across 54 appearances for the Rams, he netted five goals and contributed six assists as he played a key role in their promotion push.
A boost for Heckingbottom’s frontline
With Preston already reshaping their squad this summer, the addition of Dobbin will provide another option in attack. His pace, direct running, and ability to play across the front line will be valuable assets for Heckingbottom as PNE look to push into the Championship’s top half.
North End have added depth in both midfield and defence but have been seeking further reinforcements in forward areas. Dobbin’s versatility means he can operate as a winger on either side or as a secondary striker, giving Heckingbottom flexibility heading into a demanding season.
Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Championship (Norwich & West Brom):
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Championship:
• Appearances: 27
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 1
• Minutes played: 967
Percentile rank among Championship wingers:
• 62% – Goals scored
• 49% – Shot attempts
• 41% – Chances created
• 56% – Defensive contributions
⬜ ZONE RUMOURED
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