Preston North End have bolstered their wide options with the signing of 22-year-old winger Stan Mills from Oxford United for an undisclosed fee, the Championship club confirmed on 27 August. Mills has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Deepdale.

A move that had been in the pipeline

The transfer has been some time in the making. Oxford's then-head coach Aaron Ramsey had previously indicated that Mills was set to join the Lilywhites in January, though that move did not materialise at the time. The deal has now been pushed through ahead of the deadline, bringing the winger to the second tier ahead of what Preston will hope is a more settled period after a turbulent opening to the campaign.

Mills made 43 league appearances for Oxford last season as they were relegated from the Championship to League One, scoring five goals across 85 appearances in all competitions during his time at the Kassam Stadium. His experience of playing at second-tier level last season, despite Oxford's difficulties, gives Preston's coaching staff confidence that he can step in without a lengthy bedding-in period.

What Heckingbottom said

Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom was frank about what attracted him to Mills, speaking to the club's official website.

"He's got excellent athleticism down the right-hand side, or the left if needed, and has good delivery into the box," Heckingbottom said. "I've been aware of him for a while but really thought he progressed last season and now he's come into his own."

The description of a player who can operate on either flank and provide quality from wide areas will be welcome news to Preston supporters, who have seen their side struggle for consistent attacking output in recent matches, including a 4-0 defeat and a 3-1 reverse to Wolves.

Mills's background and route to Deepdale

Mills came through the academy at Leeds United before making the move to Everton. He made two EFL Cup appearances for the Toffees before Oxford United took him on an initial loan in January 2025, a move that subsequently became permanent. His journey through the academy system at two high-profile clubs, combined with consistent Championship minutes last season, suggests Preston believe they are signing a player at the point of his development where he is ready to kick on.

He becomes one of several additions Preston have looked to make this summer, with the club reportedly targeting multiple signings in part due to injury concerns in the squad, notably the loss of midfielder McCann. The arrival of a versatile winger adds competition and depth in an area where Heckingbottom's side have been looking to improve their output.

What this means for Preston

Preston sit in the Championship having endured a difficult start to the season, and Heckingbottom will be acutely aware of the need for results to improve quickly. The addition of Mills provides a fresh option in wide areas and, if the manager's assessment is accurate, a player capable of contributing both in terms of direct running and creative delivery.

With the deal understood to be for three years, the club have made a clear commitment to Mills as part of their longer-term planning, rather than a short-term fix. At 22, he fits the profile of a player who could develop further under structured coaching and consistent Championship football, making this a signing with an eye on both the present and the future at Deepdale.

Frequently asked

Who is Stan Mills and where did he come from?
Stan Mills is a 22-year-old winger who has joined Preston North End from Oxford United for an undisclosed fee. He previously came through the academies at Leeds United and Everton before joining Oxford, initially on loan in January 2025.
How long is Stan Mills's contract at Preston?
Mills has signed a three-year deal at Deepdale, keeping him at the Championship club until at least the summer of 2029.
What has Paul Heckingbottom said about the signing of Stan Mills?
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom said Mills has excellent athleticism down the right-hand side, can also play on the left, and has good delivery into the box. He added that he had been aware of Mills for a while and felt the winger had come into his own last season.