Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that striker Emil Riis looks set to leave the Championship side once his contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Danish forward is yet to sign a new contract with the Championship side and looks set to leave the football club once his current deal comes to an end, though Heckingbottom has hinted that the decision lies in the players hands.
Preston currently find themselves 15th in the Championship, nine points clear of the relegation zone with nine games to play and are arguably just two wins from confirming their survival.
During an interview with BBC Sport Lancashire, manager Paul Heckingbottom revealed that Riis is closing in on a summer exit from the club
Heckingbottom reveals player ‘set to depart’
With the 26-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, Riis is likely to undergo a very important decision making process over the next few weeks.
When asked as to whether there was a ‘high chance’ that Emil Riis could leave the club this summer, Heckingbottom revealed…
”As it stands now, he’ll be leaving.”
Shortly after, the manager was asked about what he wants to happen in regards to Riis and he added…
”It’s not up to me, it’s up to Emil now. Any player that’s out of contract, it’s totally up to them what they do.”
Finally, when asked as to whether a new offer had been made to Riis, he finished by simply stating…
“No. I don’t know (if one would be offered). You’ll be last to know that as well, I think Emil will know before you.”
Judging by Heckingbottom’s tone and choice of words later in the interview by using expressions such as “we don’t want anyone here that doesn’t want to be here”, “players don’t want to play for a club that don’t want them” and “when contracts are up they should just be honoured”.
This suggests that the manager is likely taking a relaxed approach to Riis’ future over the next few weeks.
How has he fared this season?
Despite adding attackers during the summer transfer window, Riis has remained as one of Preston’s key players.
So far this season, Riis has featured 39 times for Preston North End in all competitions and has already improved on his total output from the previous season.
During those 39 appearances, Riis has scored 10 goals and provided two assists for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
He also looks set to feature for Preston during their Emirates FA Cup clash at home to Champions League quarter-finalists Aston Villa later this month.
How big of a blow would this be for Preston?
Riis’ full debut season for Preston saw him contribute to 26 goals in 48 matches, but his form has slipped since.
During the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, Riis has contributed to a total of 13 goals in 48 games due to injuries, though he’s only one away from equalling that combined figure this campaign.
Although Preston now have the likes of Will Keane, Mads Frokjaer-Jensen and Milutin Osmajic at their disposal, Riis is still their main attacking threat and losing him will ensure the club will have to replace him this summer.
Similarly, fellow Championship side Sheffield United were linked with a move for Riis in January, meaning financially Preston will also take a hit if he was to leave for free this summer, knowing they could have got a fee for him earlier.
Preston fans, what are your thoughts on Riis’ contract situation?