Wrexham sign Preston captain Whiteman

What the report says

Wrexham have completed the signing of Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman on a three-year contract, with an option for an extra year, according to BBC Sport Football. The Championship midfielder joins for an undisclosed fee after completing a medical on Tuesday. He becomes Wrexham’s second signing of the summer, following full-back Danny Imray’s arrival from Crystal Palace.

BBC Sport reports that the 30-year-old has made 200 Championship appearances and featured 43 times for Preston last season as the club finished 14th. Whiteman said he was excited to join Wrexham and suggested the club’s ambition to reach the Premier League was a major factor in his decision. The report also notes that he had been a regular presence at Deepdale during a five-and-a-half-year spell with Preston.

The move adds another experienced player to a Wrexham squad continuing to strengthen after recent progress on and off the pitch. Background included by BBC Sport shows Whiteman came through the ranks at Sheffield United, later played for Doncaster Rovers, and joined Preston in 2021. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom said Whiteman had forced the move, though that comment reflects the departing club’s view rather than Wrexham’s. The transfer matters because it underlines Wrexham’s intent to build for another push in the Championship.