Talk about pre-season chaos! Preston North End have been dealt a double blow, first with their high-profile friendly against giants Barcelona dramatically cancelled at the eleventh hour, and then the stunning revelation of captain Ben Whiteman attempting to force a move away from the club. This is more than just a pre-season hiccup; it’s a full-blown crisis unfolding at Deepdale.
Key Points:
- The friendly between Preston North End and Barcelona was abruptly cancelled the day before it was scheduled.
- The cancellation stemmed from Preston's lack of available senior players.
- Barcelona rejected an offer to play Preston's Under-21 squad.
- The club is also reeling from captain Ben Whiteman's declared intention to leave the club, sparking a furious response from manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Friendly Fire: Barca Snub Stuns Deepdale
The football world was buzzing about Preston North End's unique opportunity to face Barcelona in a behind-closed-doors friendly at St. George’s Park. However, that excitement turned to disbelief when the match was sensationally called off just hours before kick-off. The reason? A significant shortage of senior players for the Championship side.
According to Spanish reports, Preston offered to play their Under-21 team to fulfil the fixture, but the Catalan titans politely declined. Instead, Barcelona opted for a regular training session, an earlier return to Spain, and a significantly reshuffled pre-season itinerary. It's a bitter pill for Preston fans who were looking forward to this rare fixture.
This decision, though disappointing, ultimately protects Preston's squad. Manager Paul Heckingbottom is clearly prioritising player fitness, keen to avoid any further injuries before their crucial League Cup fixture against Huddersfield Town next weekend. The timing couldn't be worse, highlighting deeper issues within the club's squad depth.
Barca's Revised Tour: From UK to Udine
Barcelona's short stint in the UK began with a fixture against Birmingham City last week. Following the cancelled Preston friendly, they are now heading back to Spain earlier than planned. Their pre-season calendar still features some exciting matchups.
They are set to participate in a three-team tournament in Udine, Italy, at the Bluenergy Stadium, where they will play Udinese and Nottingham Forest. Each team will play for 45 minutes. The ultimate pre-season test will be the prestigious Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Camp Nou, a traditional curtain-raiser before the Spanish season begins.
Whiteman Storm: Captain's Rebellion Rocks Preston's Core
As if the friendly cancellation wasn't enough, Preston North End is now grappling with a significant internal challenge. Club captain Ben Whiteman has reportedly told the club he has played his last game, actively trying to force a move to Wrexham for an alleged £2 million fee. This bombshell has ignited a firestorm within the club.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom minced no words when addressing the saga. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, he stated, “Ben told me, told Peter (Ridsdale, CEO) he's played his last game for the club. He's trying to force a move, which is an issue for me, for the players.” Heckingbottom went on to express his disappointment, emphasizing that Whiteman crossed a line he shouldn't have.
This situation casts a long shadow over Preston's preparations. Heckingbottom's priority now shifts to the players who are committed to the club, hoping Wrexham will meet their valuation to resolve the
