Preston North End (PNE) will not be acquiring the services of Ghanaian defender Nathaniel Adjei this month, as the 21-year-old has completed a move to French side Lorient.

Despite the desire among PNE fans for defensive reinforcements, budget constraints have hindered potential signings. The recent move of Crewe Alexandra defender Connor O’Riordan to Blackburn Rovers was ruled out due to financial limitations.

PNE had expressed interest in Hammarby’s Adjei, a strong, tall, quick, and confident defender who impressed in Sweden after initially playing for Danbort FC in Ghana. However, a potential deal always seemed unlikely, given the reported £3 million price tag set by Hammarby for their star defender, a figure that would constitute a club-record deal for North End.

Adjei has now joined Lorient on loan until the end of the season, with a permanent option included in the deal. Reports suggest that the total price for the transfer could reach around €7 million (£6 million), with Lorient possibly paying a significant loan fee before making the move permanent.

The substantial figure involved in the deal makes it clear that PNE was unlikely to compete financially for Adjei. While the reported price has doubled since November, when initial interest was noted, the club is expected to prioritize finding a defender with similar attributes in the upcoming summer window. The need for added speed in the defensive line has become apparent after some shaky defensive displays by North End this season.