Clarke Joins Preston
Friday, 14th Aug 2026 19:23

Full-back Harry Clarke has joined Preston North End on a permanent basis.

Clarke had been close to joining one of his former loan sides Stoke City earlier in the month - for a fee which ultimately could have reached £3.5 million after add-ons - but that deal fell through.

The 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Lilywhites for an undisclosed fee.

“I'm really happy to sign for Preston North End,” Clarke said. “They’re a great club, with great fans and they’ve shown their ambition this summer with some big signings. I can’t wait to get started and show the North End fans what I can do.”

Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom added: “I’m really pleased we’ve managed to get a deal for Harry done. He knows what it takes to play right at the top of this division and he’s got a couple of promotions under his belt.

“I’ve said throughout the summer that I’m confident we can land our main targets and being able to add Léo and Harry to the group today, both on permanent deals, re-enforces that as well as our ambition.”

Clarke was a member of the back-to-back League One and Championship promotion squads having rejoined Town, his local club, from Arsenal in January 2023. He made 46 starts and 21 sub appearances, scoring once.

Photo: Matchday Images

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cartman1972 added 19:26 - Aug 14 Certainly a passionate player , I always thought he did a great job for us ....best of luck to him
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Bobbiesboys added 19:27 - Aug 14 Good luck Harry I always loved your passion for ITFC
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ITFC_1994 added 19:29 - Aug 14 A proper club, Preston. They'll love Harry's passion and commitment I'm sure! Good luck!
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Saxonblue74 added 19:29 - Aug 14 All the best Harry. If your talent matched your passion and commitment you'd win the ballon d'or year after year
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BlueWax added 19:31 - Aug 14 As a fan, all.ypu.really.want are.players.to.give their all.for the cluband boy Harry you.did that. Thanks for every great.memory which you were a big part of X
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Lukeybluey added 19:36 - Aug 14 Saw him Martlesham Tesco a few weeks back coming out of the bin bag isle, taller than I thought! Best of luck to him!
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lordsambuca added 19:36 - Aug 14 Good luck Harry. I hope you can stay injury free. We won't forget the contribution that you made. Great signing for Preston. Can see his style being a good fit
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IBelieve added 19:38 - Aug 14 All the best boy, PNE have got a gem.
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Mark added 19:39 - Aug 14 I wish Harry all the best at Preston and in his future career. I wonder what the fee was, perhaps around the £1m we reported paid for him?
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blueoutlook added 19:43 - Aug 14 Bleeds blue and white. Massive Town fan. Hope you do good at PNE. Proper old football club.
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Steelmonkey added 19:49 - Aug 14 Hope this move is good for you Harry. Best of luck for your future I’m sure you will make an impact. Never really got back to your best after the feet ops. Took awhile and then the competition got in the way. You never let the lads or us fans down. Once a blue always a blue.
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Steelmonkey added 19:49 - Aug 14 Hope this move is good for you Harry. Best of luck for your future I’m sure you will make an impact. Never really got back to your best after the feet ops. Took awhile and then the competition got in the way. You never let the lads or us fans down. Once a blue always a blue.
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dirtydingusmagee added 19:50 - Aug 14 GOOD LUCK Harry.
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Mariner1974 added 19:57 - Aug 14 Another one bites the dust! Shame he couldn’t get his positioning right to match his obvious enthusiasm and effort going forward. One of the real club characters & enjoyed that first prem promotion better than anyone!
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armchaircritic59 added 19:57 - Aug 14 BlueWax, hit the nail on the head, all I've ever asked a player to do when they pull on an ITFC shirt, is to give their all every time, whether it's been our " superstars " of the past, or the more " rank and file " Do that and they will always get my very best wishes when it's time to leave. So, on that note, the very best of luck Harry.
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Broadbent23 added 19:58 - Aug 14 A fist pump to you Harry for your service to Ipswich. Good luck in Preston.
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benslifeyt added 20:01 - Aug 14 Thanks for everything clarke ! Wish you well
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Blue_Heath added 20:18 - Aug 14 First of all good luck to H but undisclosed fee doesn't sound great.
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floridablue added 20:22 - Aug 14 Good luck for the future and enjoyed seeing your passion on tv for your hometown team
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Brogan55 added 20:29 - Aug 14 Good luck Harry,when we reflect on those special years,you will be there wearing that hat on the open top bus.A true blue.
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Monkey_Blue added 20:29 - Aug 14

Hirst who seems to be off, Walton, Davis and Humphreys… correct me if I’m wrong are now the only ones left from the double promotion squad? I must have missed one? Sad to see these guys leave one by one. It may be a long time until we have a group like that. I know we have to upgrade and 17th would be graded as an amazing achievement but it just doesn’t feel as exciting or special.

muccletonjoe added 20:33 - Aug 14 One of my favourite players in the 2 promotion years. All the best Harry.
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backwaywhen added 20:40 - Aug 14 Now got and stick a couple match winners against Nodge ……once a Blue always a Blue .
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alexlanark64 added 20:56 - Aug 14 A year.......silently rolls down a cheek Players come and go, all we ask is they matched our passion. Harry Clarke did that and then some. What a guy. Look forward to playing Preston and seeing him back in the premier, next season
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Klassic_Ben added 20:57 - Aug 14 As others have said a true blue that we all wish well. Shame on one hand to see him leave but best for everyone all round given he’s gonna be 3rd choice at best… Just hope he can stay injury free, anyway cheers Harry & good luck with the rest of your career.
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