BREAKING: Preston North End secure striker Milos Lukovic on loan from Strasbourg
Preston North End have confirmed their first signing of the January transfer window, completing the loan capture of young striker Milos Lukovic from French side Strasbourg.
The 20-year-old Serbian forward arrives at Deepdale on a straight loan deal, adding fresh attacking options to Paul Heckingbottom’s squad for the second half of the Championship campaign. Lukovic spent the first part of this season on loan in Spain with Las Palmas, where he found the net four times in the Segunda División, before making the switch to English football.
Lukovic joined Strasbourg in January 2024 for a reported fee of £5 million from Serbian club FK IMT. Since then, he has continued his development through loan spells, including a stint with Dutch outfit Heerenveen last season. A Serbia Under-21 international, the striker remains under contract with Strasbourg until 2028 and has already made two senior appearances for the French club.
Speaking after completing the move, Lukovic expressed his excitement about the new challenge ahead. He said he is eager to begin this next chapter of his career, determined to give everything for the team, score goals, and help Preston North End achieve something special. He also described it as an honour to represent the club and pledged full commitment during his time at Deepdale.
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom believes the deal is a positive one for all parties involved. The manager revealed that Lukovic was a player the club had been monitoring since the summer, having closely followed his performances at Heerenveen. Heckingbottom highlighted Lukovic’s qualities as a natural number nine, praising his intelligent movement along the defensive line, his willingness to press from the front, and his strong work ethic.
He explained that both the player and the clubs involved were aligned on how Lukovic can continue to develop, which ultimately helped push the deal over the line. Heckingbottom added that Lukovic’s enthusiasm to join Preston and his excitement about playing in the Championship were key factors, as was his ability to settle quickly, aided by his strong command of English.
The Preston manager confirmed that the striker will be used immediately and stressed the importance of maximising the short loan spell. He believes Lukovic’s attacking runs, pressing ability, and desire to work for the team fit perfectly with Preston’s style of play. While those core strengths will remain central to his role, the coaching staff are also keen to help him develop further, both in possession and in how he integrates into the team’s attacking patterns.
Heckingbottom concluded by saying Lukovic is a player the club has long tracked and admired, and that only through working closely with him in Championship matches will they truly discover the full range of what he can bring, particularly in building relationships with teammates and adapting to the demands of English football.
