Preston North End have placed Plymouth Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj on their summer transfer wish list as Paul Heckingbottom looks to strengthen his attacking options.
The Lilywhites are expected to pursue forward additions during the window, with Tolaj understood to be admired by the Deepdale club after an impressive campaign in League One.
The 24-year-old scored 18 league goals and added eight assists for Plymouth, but has been linked with a move to Scottish Champions Celtic. His return has placed him firmly on the radar of clubs further up the pyramid, and even in Europe, with Preston now among those monitoring his situation.
A possible move may depend on how Preston’s own attacking department develops over the coming weeks. Milutin Osmajic is entering the final 12 months of his contract, and any exit would leave North End with a clear need to add further firepower before the new season.
Preston North End Could Face Competition For Lorent Tolaj
Tolaj only joined Plymouth last summer, with the Pilgrims triggering a reported £1.2million release clause after his strong spell at Port Vale. He remains under contract for another three years, meaning Argyle are in a strong position should interest develop into firm offers.
The fee required could reportedly be around £3million, a significant outlay for a Championship club, although Tolaj’s recent rise has made him one of the more intriguing forward options outside the second tier. Leicester City, Stoke City, Celtic and Swansea City have all previously been linked with the striker.
His path has not been conventional. Tolaj came through Brighton and Hove Albion’s academy after joining from FC Sion, but he did not make a senior first-team appearance for the Seagulls. Loan spells at Cambridge United, Salford City and Dundee followed before he found momentum with Aldershot Town, where his goalscoring form helped earn a move back into the EFL.
Port Vale then signed him in 2024, and Tolaj became an important part of their promotion-winning side. He scored 15 times in all competitions for Vale before Plymouth moved to secure him ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Plymouth Argyle Hold Strong Position
Plymouth boss Tom Cleverley has already made clear that Argyle do not feel under pressure to sell. Tolaj and Bim Pepple have both attracted attention after strong individual seasons, but both are tied to long-term contracts.
“I worked in the Championship for almost 18 months. There are not that many clubs that have got cash at their disposal, to the extent of the fees that we will be looking for,” Cleverley said.
“So it’s realistic (they may stay), the players have got long contracts. It’s the way modern day football is… rumour, speculation but ultimately, they have had a great season and they deserve to be linked with higher levels.”
Preston have taken risks on League One players before, and not had success. Tom Bayliss and Jayden Stockley are two who impressed in the third tier but were unable to step up to the Championship.
Still, Tolaj would fit the profile of a forward with momentum, EFL experience and resale potential, but the size of the fee may be decisive. North End needs a greater threat in the final third, and Tolaj’s numbers make him an obvious name to watch, though Plymouth’s stance means this would not be a straightforward deal.
One Response
It will take a lot more than £3M for a striker with 3 years left on his contract.