Callum Lang ‘will surely stay at Portsmouth’ after what Preston CEO has said
Callum Lang has been at the centre of some worrying transfer rumours for Portsmouth fans.
The playmaker has been linked with a move to Preston North End, with the Lilywhites supposedly having a £2million bid rejected by Portsmouth.
Preston fans remain convinced that Lang wants to join them, although there is no clear evidence of that.
Now, Preston CEO Peter Ridsdale has been questioned about any interest in Lang, and his response might calm any fears that Pompey fans have about losing their player.
Preston CEO Peter Ridsdale responds to Lang rumours
Ridsdale refused to confirm or deny whether Preston had made a bid for Lang, instead insisting that he “can’t comment” on players contracted at other clubs.
However, in his interview with the Lancashire Post, he felt compelled to share a little more information.
He said: “I don’t know where that came from. There are a number of strikers that we have enquired about over the last few weeks.”
Preston have made several signings this summer, including former Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith on Tuesday (22 July).
When asked if he would spend money on extra players, Ridsdale was hesitant to give a definite answer.
He said: “I don’t want anybody at other football clubs to say I’m sitting here with a war chest, because then the price just goes up.
“We have made bids for a number of strikers, and some of the numbers we’ve been quoted are a joke, but they’re their players. And if they’re their players and their strikers, they can ask what they want, can’t they?”
Callum Lang is worth well over £2m to Portsmouth
When news spread that Preston had bid £2m for Lang, the overwhelming reaction among Portsmouth fans was that this figure was far too low.
Lang is 26 years old. He’s a proven threat at Championship level. One of the most explosive attackers in the league on his day.
He has one year left on his contract, although Pompey have the option to extend that by another 12 months.
A player of that calibre costs far more than £2m in today’s market. That’s why Pompey turned it down.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 32 | 2455 | 10 | 2 |
Preston would have to break their transfer record to submit an increased bid, and based on what Ridsdale has said, they look unlikely to do that.
This is good news for Portsmouth. Lang hit 10 goals in 32 Championship appearances last season, but he offers so much more than that to the team. His work rate and intelligence on the ball will be so difficult to replace.
Thankfully, the way things stand, it looks like he’ll remain at Fratton Park.
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