Ben Whiteman cites club ambition in joining Wrexham from Preston North End
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Ben Whiteman has joined Wrexham on a three-year deal following his departure from Preston North End. The 30-year-old midfielder noted that the club's stated goal of reaching the Premier League was the primary factor behind his decision to sign with the team. Whiteman sought advice from teammates Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone, who described the Wrexham project as an exciting opportunity. He has already appeared in five matches for his new club across all competitions ahead of Saturday's fixture against Swansea City. Despite the move, the transition involved a public dispute with Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom, who questioned the midfielder's conduct shortly before the transfer was finalized in early August. Whiteman maintained his focus remains on contributing to Wrexham's promotion efforts.
- •Ben Whiteman signed a three-year contract with Wrexham with an option for an additional 12 months.
- •The midfielder consulted Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone before committing to the club.
- •Whiteman has featured in all five of Wrexham’s matches so far this season.
- •Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom publicly criticized Whiteman's conduct shortly before the transfer was completed.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Premier League aim key to Whiteman's Wrexham move
"Ben Whiteman says Wrexham's ambition to reach the Premier League was a key driver in his decision to join the club from Preston North End. Ahead of the current campaign, the central midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Red Dragons, who hold the option to extend Whiteman's deal by a further 12 months. The 30-year-old also revealed Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone played a role in his decision to move to the Racecourse Ground.
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