Questions raised as Preston North End eye 23-year-old - "what makes him good enough for the Championship?" | OneFootball

FLW's Preston fan pundit is left with more questions than answers as his side becomes linked with Andri Gudjohnsen

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

After netting just 48 times last season, one of the main focuses for Preston North End this summer has been signing goalscorers, but they've lacked success so far in that department.

So far, the only strikers through the door at Deepdale this summer are Michael Smith, who arrived amidst all the off-field happenings at Sheffield Wednesday, and Daniel Jebbison, who faces a month out immediately due to an accident whilst training with a personal trainer.

So, goalscorers are still on the shopping list as we edge closer towards deadline day, and with former target Richard Kone set to sign for QPR, Preston are looking at Gent forward Andri Gudjohnsen, the son of Eidur, who has made just two bench cameos for the Belgian side this season so far.

When presented with this news, FLW's PNE fan pundit, Darren Watson, was left confused. Heckingbottom has come out and said that the money has gone this summer, but these fresh links would indicate otherwise.

Preston North End fan pundit not completely sold on Andri Gudjohnsen

Watson believes that a Gudjohnsen arrival would be a massive risk this summer. The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact since arriving at Gent, scoring just five times in his debut campaign in Belgium.

So far in 2025/26, he's racked up nominal minutes in a couple of bench cameos and was recently left out of the side altogether against Union Saint-Gilloise.

"It's a bit of a gamble as he's currently struggling to get into the squad he's currently playing for at the moment," he said.

"If he's not good enough for that league, then what makes him good enough for the Championship?

"The Championship is one of the hardest leagues in the English pyramid, and you've got to be on your A-game every single day; it's one of the most exciting, fast-paced leagues in the world."

Before his move to Belgium, Gudjohnsen starred in Denmark for Lyngby BK, scoring 15 in just 33 games during his sole season there. He's also made 34 Icelandic appearances, too.

He has clearly shown the ability to thrive in front of goal, but his recent dry spell for Gent has Watson wary.

"You have to be a constant goal threat in the Championship," he explained. "You get a lot of criticism if you don't provide for your team.

"His Dad was an absolute legend of the game, though, and if he proves to be anything like his Dad, then he'd be an absolute steal for around £2 million."

PNE fan pundit questions available funds after Andri Gudjohnsen links

According to Alan Nixon, Gent values Gudjohnsen at £2.5 million, and if the Lilywhites do go in for the Icelandic forward, Watson and his fellow Preston fans have a right to feel confused.

"Will Preston put a bid in?" Watson asked. "I don't actually know, because Heckingbottom has said in interviews with the Lancashire Evening Post, where he talked about money and said 'all the money's gone.'

"He's said that we're going to be looking at loans and free transfers, so it makes you question what the truth is and if we've got money to spend."

Preston have been active in the transfer window so far, and have brought in 10 players. They've tried to sign the reigning League One player of the season, Richard Kone, but had a £3 million bid rejected, and now they're looking at a striker who would cost just under that amount.

"We put a £3 million bed in for Kone, and now we're looking at a striker worth over £2 million. It just contradicts itself, and I just want to find out what's going on with the club at the moment. Is there money? Is there no money?"

Watson looked past the initial confusion and potential risk factor in bringing in Gudjohnsen this summer and concluded that, if fit and firing, he could be a useful addition to a side that craves goals this year.

He said, "He looks like a really talented player with a good eye for goal, who can take a penalty and a free kick as well.

"Only time will tell whether it will come off, but I hope it does, because we do need some more attacking threat on goal.