Stan Mills has left Oxford United to join Championship side Preston North End. The transfer, for an undisclosed fee, was confirmed on Tuesday with the winger signing a three-year contract at Deepdale.
Mills, 22, made 43 league appearances for Oxford during their League One promotion campaign last season. He had featured once in the league this term before the move, which manager Aaron Ramsey had indicated was likely to happen in January. Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom welcomed the signing. "He's got excellent athleticism down the right-hand side, or the left if needed, and has good delivery into the box," Heckingbottom told his club's official channels.
The manager added that he had tracked Mills' development. "I've been aware of him for a while but really thought he progressed last season and now he's come into his own," he said.
Mills began his senior career at Leeds United before a move to Everton. He made two EFL Cup appearances for the Toffees before joining Oxford, initially on loan, in January 2025. The permanent move last summer saw him become a regular feature as Oxford secured a return to the second tier. His departure opens up a slot in the wide areas as Ramsey reshapes his squad. Fans can view the updated squad list and the team's upcoming fixtures. The deal concludes a transfer that had been anticipated for several weeks.
