Preston North End are pleased to confirm Liam Lindsay has returned to the club on a permanent basis from Stoke City.
The central defender has signed for an undisclosed fee, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal to keep him at Deepdale until 2023.
25-year-old Liam spent the second half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan with the Lilywhites after joining on deadline day in February, and he went on to feature 13 times in the Championship, scoring twice while helping the team keep four clean sheets in that period.
His permanent move to PNE puts an end to Liam’s stay with Stoke City, who he joined back in 2019 from Barnsley for an initial fee of £2m.
Speaking to PNE.Com after completing his move, Liam said: "I’m delighted and just happy it’s been done so quickly as well. I always wanted to come back here and I’m just looking forward to the season ahead.
"I got a good feeling as soon as I came really - the players, staff, just everyone about really. I've enjoyed my time so much over the last six months and I'm delighted to come back.
“[When I signed] on deadline day, it was a bit hectic, so it’s better to get it done on the first day rather than the last now. It gives me a bit of clarity and a bit of stability as well so I’m just happy to get it done.”
Gametime had been limited at his last club Stoke City and first team football was a major draw for the defender to come to Deepdale last season.
During his time with the club, he built relationships with both the players and management staff, including head coach Frankie McAvoy, who has full faith Liam will be a success at PNE.
Frankie added: “We’re absolutely delighted. Thanks to Mr Hemmings and Peter Ridsdale for getting the deal done.
“He did great for us when he came on loan, in particular the latter parts when I was head coach. He did really well for us in that back three system so we’re delighted to add him to the squad.
“When he was at Barnsley he did really well and then Stoke paid quite a bit of money for him and unfortunately it didn’t work out.
"That can happen sometimes for players, but what he’s got now is an opportunity and a chance to express himself and show the Preston North End faithful the Liam Lindsay that we know he’s capable of being, so we’re delighted with that.”