Huddersfield Town make first summer signing as Ryan Ledson arrives

The Preston North End midfielder will join the Terriers as a free agent

Huddersfield Town have announced Preston North End midfielder Ryan Ledson as their first summer signing on a three-year contract.

The 27-year-old, who has been at Deepdale since joining from Oxford United in 2018, was available as a free agent this summer after PNE opted not to renew his deal with the club.

Ledson’s arrival comes just two days after Town confirmed Lee Grant as their new manager.

Grant said in a club statement: “We are over the moon to make Ryan our first signing of the summer, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him once pre-season begins.

“He has all of the qualities on and off the pitch that we want in our players - ambitious, competitive, aggressive, energetic and a natural leader. Having played regularly at a higher level for the majority of his career, he shares our goal of getting back there, too.

“Our intention is to build a team that allows us to play and compete at a high level, while giving our supporters a team they identify with and are excited to watch. Ryan is the perfect start to that process.”

Ledson added: “I’m delighted to have this move completed so early in the summer, and I couldn’t be happier to become a Huddersfield Town player.

“It’s a really exciting summer and season ahead for the Club, and having spoken to Lee Grant about his ideas and ambition for the team, that was a journey I jumped at the opportunity to become a part of.

“I’ve played against Town many times in my career and know how brilliant the supporters are both home and away, and I can promise that they’ll be getting my all each and every time I’m selected to represent the Club.”

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Ryan Ledson scouting report: Stats, where he fits in and what the Preston expert says

Central midfield already looked to be one of Town’s stronger areas of the pitch in a squad with plenty of gaps after several summer departures — but the reason they moved for Ledson is straightforward.