Celtic and Wolves were two of the clubs who had transfer interest in the Tottenham player.
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A Celtic transfer target has opted for a record-breaking summer move as he leaves Premier League side Tottenham.
Alfie Devine impressed on loan at Preston North End in the English Championship last season but a permanent option to buy deadline passed the Deepdale side by. That had Celtic and Championship side Wolves, alongside second tier outfit Southampton, waiting to pounce on a deal.
It’s been confirmed by Preston that a record-breaking £6m deal has been agreed but transfer journalist Alan Nixon has revealed how close the likes of Celtic and Wolves came to signing Devine from Tottenham amid his lucrative contract. He claimed via Patreon: “Preston North End have won the race for Tottenham talent Alfie Devine - at the second attempt.
Why did Celtic and Wolves not sign Alfie Devine?
“The midfield schemer has decided to join North End in a record deal worth up to £6 million after weeks of talks. Preston had a scare when Devine did not sign before the initial deadline and Celtic, Wolves and Southampton took an interest. However North were always willing to pay Spurs the asking price and also backed it up with a long and lucrative contract. Devine starred in a season on loan and has accepted the challenge to make the move despite the other possibilities.”
Devine said of the move: “From the end of last season going into the summer, it was always a priority in terms of where I wanted to be. It took its time, but I'm delighted it's gone through. From the first minute I came here until my last minute of last season, I absolutely loved it. The fans, staff, players, everyone around the place made me feel so welcome.”
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom commented: “I’m really pleased to get it over the line. A lot of people have worked hard at it, and Alfie made no secret of the fact that he enjoyed his time here and wanted to play here. We think that it's good business, not only in the short term and helping us get results on the pitch, but it's also really good business for the football club as well.”
Why have Preston signed Alfie Devine?
Preston North End CEO Peter Ridsdale explained: “I would like to go on record to thank The Hemmings' family for the unbelievable financial commitment in allowing us to get this deal over the line, in addition to the investment in the new hybrid Deso pitch at Deepdale. I would also like to thank Tottenham Hotspur for the way in which they have handled this transfer. It has been a pleasure working with everyone connected with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.”
Tottenham’s statement added: “We have reached agreement with Preston North End for the transfer of Alfie Devine. The Championship side have triggered the option to buy the attacking midfielder after his successful loan spell at Deepdale last season. Alfie made 48 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring eight goals and was named the club's Young Player of the Year. Alfie departs with his name etched in our record books - he remains our youngest first team goalscorer after netting on his debut against Marine in the FA Cup aged 16 years and 163 days in January, 2021.”