Preston North End have signed midfielder, Duane Holmes from Huddersfield Town for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Holmes’ move ends his second spell at Huddersfield following his switch from Derby County in January 2021 – during which he has scored 10 goals in 90 appearances for the Terries. having begun his career with the Terriers and now leaves having scored 11 goals in 119 appearances in total across both stints at Huddersfield.
Holmes has signed a two-year contract with Preston until June 2025, with Huddersfield having opted to cash in on the 28 year-old US international, whose contract was set to expire next summer despite the Terriers holding an option to further extend by an extra 12 months.
Speaking about his decision to sign for Preston, Holmes commented: “I’m very happy. I spoke to the manager last week and thankfully it’s all gone through pretty quickly.”
Holmes will also reunite with manager, Ryan Lowe who was his teammate during their time together at Bury in 2014-15 season.
Reflecting upon their time together and Lowe’s progress since becoming a manager, Holmes added: “I played with him at Bury for a short time and obviously since taking on the role of a manager he’s done really well wherever he’s gone and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“I played against Preston a lot last year and the way we want to play is good.
“I’ve just been watching training out there and it was looking very good. The lads look really fit, really sharp and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Lowe added that Holmes will “be a good addition” who can create and score goals plus boasts Championship experience, whilst also being “a good footballer who can carry the ball, and he knows his roles and responsibilities.”
Huddersfield manager, Neil Warnock meanwhile issued the following statement on Holmes’ departure: “We all wish Duane the best of luck at his new club.
“He’s been very unlucky with injuries since I came back to Huddersfield, so I’ve not been able to work with him that much. We have good competition for places in that area of the pitch and his departure gives us more flexibility in the market this summer, too.
“Duane is good lad and this move suits him geographically, as it’s still close to where he lives. I wish him well.”