It comes three months after a key club strategy update.
Reports have linked a US-Saudi investor, with a background in sports business, to Preston North End.
Following the Lilywhites’ 4-0 defeat at Middlesbrough, Sky News has reported that Amr Zedan - whose main business interests include horse racing - has been in talks with the club in recent weeks over a potential deal.
However, the reports also revealed that talks had stalled of late and that North End are exploring alternative investment options with ‘other parties’. Sources close to the club, as per the report, are continuing to hold talks with potential investors and buyers in a ‘professional and comprehensive manner’.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Mr Zedal has said that he and the club had been in discussions since early December regarding a potential investment, which would ‘support long-term Premier League ambitions’. But, it was felt that there had been a ‘lack of constructive engagement’ from Preston’s owners.
The spokesperson told Sky News that “money coming early into the transfer window which is now closing was key to [Mr Zedan’s] enthusiasm for supporting the club, its community and loyal fan base.”
It’s stated that sources close to North End have refuted the characterisation of the discussions, with it reported that Mr Zedan would be willing to re-enter talks with the club. In March 2022, Zedan was one of several people who expressed a public interest in buying Chelsea Football Club after former owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government. The club were bought by BlueCo in May 2022.
PNE’s strategy change
In October 2025, Craig Hemmings stepped down as Preston North End’s Chairman after six years in the role. Ian Penrose, a PNE season ticket holder and a successful businessman in technology, gaming, sports and more, assumed the role of Non-Executive Chairman after a brief handover period.
In a club strategy update, Hemmings told supporters that Penrose’s appointment was made to ‘steer the club through this important phase of its development’.
While he said there was no ‘immediate requirement’ for the club to find new partners or ownership, he set a target of two years to find ‘the right fit’ for the football club. After that time, the club plan to review their options.
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