Preston North End among clubs eyeing Spanish striker with a €2m release clause

Preston North End are looking to bolster their striking options this summer but face competition from elsewhere for Marcos Fernandez.

Preston North End have shown interest in Espanyol striker Marcos Fernandez, according to a report by Mundo Deportivo.
Preston North End are targeting a new recruit up top, and their search has taken them to Spanish ace Marcos Fernandez. PNE are preparing for the start of the new 2026/2027 Championship season but need a fresh goal threat in attack.

Fernandez, 23, is a man in demand right now, although he is under contract at Espanyol until June 2028. He made 36 appearances in all competitions last term whilst out on loan at Segunda Division side AD Ceuta, scoring 14 goals in the second tier.

In the latest update regarding his future at RCDE Stadium, Mundo Deportivo state Preston North End are pursuing a deal to sign him as they look to lure him to English football. However, they face strong competition from European sides Real Mallorca, Real Oviedo, Lecce, Estoril and Legia Warsaw.

Who is Preston North End target Marcos Fernandez?
Preston North End will see Fernandez as someone to bolster their striking department. If he joined the Lilywhites, he would provided much-needed quality at the top.

The Lancashire outfit currently have Milutin Osmajic and Jusef Erabi as their forward options, but Heckingbottom is demanding more bodies in that area.

Fernandez, is someone who likes get at opposition defences and can play on the right wing if required, showing his versatility. He has had a successful pre-season campaign for Espanyol, being the joint top-goal scorer.

The Cambrils-born man started out at Gimnastic de Tarragona before switching to Real Betis academy as a youngster. He never played for Betis’ first team during his three-year spell, which lead to a free transfer move to Espanyol in 2025.

Fernandez could now find a chance in England as PNE eye a move. However, he has no shortage of options after an impressive year.

The Verdict: Marcos Fernandez would be eye-catching addition for Preston North End
Espanyol’s Fernández would be an ideal addition for Preston North End if they managed to get him, and it would be quite the coup if they beat European competition to his signature.

The striker currently has a release clause of just €2m, however the Spanish side has the option to increase that to €8m if they double his salary. That move would end PNE’s chances of getting a deal done, and would likely put off other admirers too.

North End are desperate to add more fire power this season after losing Daniel Jebbison, Michael Smith, Will Keane and Lewis Dobbin from last season. With only 55 league goals scored in 2025/26, adding goals will be the priority for Heckingbottom before the window closes on September 1st,