Preston fans on Twitter are almost unanimous in their praise for Ben Pearson after he was linked with a pre-contract move to Celtic.
The midfielder will be 26 on Monday and seems to have made a big impression at Deepdale since moving there in 2016 after being released by Manchester United.
Being a defensive midfielder in the 46 games-per-season that is The Championship isn’t for the faint hearted but it seems that Pearson has more than punched his weight in a very demanding position.
Celtic are currently well off for midfielders but there are sound reasons to suspect that Scott Brown, Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham won’t be around next season.
Kerr McInroy, Scott Robertson and Ewan Henderson have promise and potential but with 150 Championship appearances Pearson looks ‘over ready’ to step into the Celtic side.
Over the last couple of transfer windows Celtic have increasingly been recruiting in the English market and have a six month advantage over other English clubs in being able to offer Pearson a contract today while others have to wait until July before being able to offer a formal deal.
Best holding midfielder in the Championship. Celtic fans would absolutely love him! ?
— Josh Gardner (@JoshGardy) January 1, 2021
That means Ntcham is off. Not disappointed if he does go either, that goes for any other players that don’t want to be at the club.
— Derekc78 (@derekc78) January 1, 2021
Best DM outside the Premier League, doesn’t get the praise he deserves because he’s not at a so called big club. Discipline has let him down in the past but he seems to have sorted it out. Will genuinely cry when he leaves as will most other North End fans.
— Seany (@SeanyBizzlez) January 1, 2021
Would be ridiculous to allow one players contract to run out, but 4 in the same season is a massive dereliction of management responsibility. Ridsdale should walk away. Good luck Ben and thanks for your efforts.
— ches501 (@ches501) January 1, 2021
Ntcham a goner, Christie likely to go, Brown finished, CalMac possible to go, Rogic unreliable. Yeah, I think we need central midfielders
— ImAwkward_Sorry (@Imawkward_sorry) January 1, 2021
But I think any of us would jump at the chance to do an easier version of the the same job and get a hefty pay rise for doing so
— W23PNE (@kscott706) January 1, 2021
A very talented player. That would be a very shrewd move if Celtic can pull it off.
— Callum McFadden (@CallumCFB) January 1, 2021
No you’re not having him… although I’d rather you have Sinclair back over Pearson ?
— AJ (@AJPNEFC) January 1, 2021
He’s quality, completely runs our midfield & good enough to play in the PL imo. Would be an absolute steal if you get him on a free.
— Ben HD (@PNEBenHD) January 1, 2021
Please leave us alone…please.
— Seany (@SeanyBizzlez) January 1, 2021
