Lewis Gibson leaves Plymouth Argyle for Preston North End
Lewis Gibson leaves Plymouth Argyle for Preston North End Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
Preston North End have announced the signing of central defender Lewis Gibson from Plymouth Argyle for a reported seven-figure fee. The 24-year-old has agreed to a contract at Deepdale that runs until the summer of 2028.
Gibson, who has made 72 Sky Bet Championship appearances in his career, arrives with significant leadership experience, having captained Plymouth on several occasions this season. The former Plymouth player is eager to hit the ground running.
“I’m delighted. It’s been a whirlwind 24-48 hours, but I’m really happy to be here,” Gibson said.
“I’m really excited for the challenge and I can’t wait to get going.”
Gibson also expressed his ambition to help Preston push for greater success.
“I feel like the club over the years has been a very stable Championship club,” he continued.
“It’s a project now where I want to take it to the next level and try and break into the top six and potentially go ahead.”
Having developed through the academies at Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, and Everton, Gibson’s career highlights include winning the FIFA U17 World Cup with England in 2017.
After four loan spells across the English Football League, he joined Plymouth Argyle permanently in 2023, amassing 63 appearances for the Pilgrims.
At Deepdale, Gibson will wear the No.19 shirt and is expected to make his debut in the Emirates FA Cup third round against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, 11 January.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom welcomed the signing, praising Gibson’s defensive and technical abilities.
“Lewis is a really good defender who we’re delighted to have been able to bring in,” Heckingbottom said.
“We’ve beaten a few clubs to his signature, so I think he’s excited about what he’s walking into here and likewise we’re excited to add him to our squad.”
Heckingbottom added, “He’s a player who the fans will quickly see is very capable with the ball at his feet, but he’s also someone who just loves to defend and he’s shown that he can do that to a high level in the Championship.”
