Preston North End gamble on Genk loanee Jusef Erabi

Preston North End have secured striker Jusef Erabi on a season‑long loan from Genk, adding the 23‑year‑old Swede to their squad as the club’s third summer signing. Erabi, who only started four league games for Genk last season, joins the Lancashire side seeking more regular first‑team action.

Erabi, 23, arrived at Genk from Hammarby in his native Sweden in September 2025, having previously impressed in the Allsvenskan. The Afghan‑descent forward told the club website that he was impressed by Preston’s style and wanted to finalise the move quickly. He said he had a good feeling and wanted to get the deal done as fast as possible.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom said Jusef is a good technical all‑round striker, physically strong and adept at making runs behind the defence. He added that the club will work hard to give him the best platform to showcase his abilities. He is also strong enough to hold the ball up when required.

Preston have secured an option to make the loan permanent at the end of the season. This gives the Lancashire side flexibility to retain a player who could add depth to their attacking options.

The signing was announced alongside the latest Preston North End news and analysis on the club’s website. A photo from the deal was released under a [Getty Images] credit, confirming the official nature of the transfer.