Preston North End Eye Free Agent Greg Docherty as Graham Alexander Weighs Midfield Options

Preston North End are considering a move for free agent midfielder Greg Docherty following his exit from Charlton Athletic. The Lilywhites, now managed by Graham Alexander, are in the market for free agent additions to bolster the squad, and Docherty, 30, could be handed a route back into the game at Deepdale.

  • Player: Greg Docherty, 30, free agent after leaving Charlton Athletic
  • Club: Preston North End, Championship
  • Manager: Graham Alexander
  • Docherty's Charlton record: 90 appearances, 5 goals, promotion from League One in 2024
  • Alternatives: Olivier Ntcham, Adama Traore, Beni Baningime

Deal details

Preston North End are reportedly interested in signing Greg Docherty on a free transfer after his departure from Charlton Athletic. The Scotland international—who has previously played for Rangers and Hull City—is available on a free and could be offered a return to the Championship with the Lilywhites.

Docherty, 30, joined Charlton in 2024 and helped the Addicks gain promotion from League One to the Championship under head coach Nathan Jones in his first year in London. He made 90 appearances in all competitions during his time at The Valley, scoring five goals from midfield.

No formal offer has been reported, but a switch to Deepdale may well be on the cards for Docherty, who will be eager to show more of what he can do in the second tier. With Preston in the market for free agents, a deal could materialise quickly.

The numbers

  • Greg Docherty: 90 appearances, 5 goals for Charlton Athletic
  • Olivier Ntcham: 80 appearances, 11 goals for Swansea City (2021–2023)
  • Adama Traore: 31 years old, left-footed, played for Hull City 2022–2024
  • Beni Baningime: 28 years old, 127 appearances for Hearts, 12 for Everton

Why Graham Alexander must consider these three free agents

Preston North End's need for midfield reinforcements is clear, and with Graham Alexander newly in charge, he will want to put his stamp on the squad. Greg Docherty offers experience and energy, but if a deal cannot be struck, the Lilywhites must have contingency plans. Here are three alternatives they should consider.

Olivier Ntcham

The former Manchester City and Celtic man was a hit during his spell at Swansea City from 2021 to 2023. He played 80 matches for the Swans after his switch to South Wales, scoring 11 goals. Ntcham, a Cameroon international with nine caps, is available having last played in Turkey for Samsunspor and is weighing up his options. He would be a useful addition for Preston if they could lure him back to the EFL, injecting quality into the squad.

Adama Traore

Traore was on the books at Hull City from 2022 to 2024 after joining from Hatayspor. The 31-year-old is left-footed and could provide solid balance to the Lilywhites' midfield if they persuaded him to return to England. He was decent for the Tigers under Liam Rosenior before a stint in the Turkish second tier with Amedspor. The Mali-born man has played for Lille and AS Monaco in France, so has decent pedigree and needs a new home.

Beni Baningime

The Everton academy graduate is considering his next move following his summer departure from Hearts. He was part of the Jam Tarts side that narrowly missed out on the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic on the final day of last season. Baningime, 28, made 127 outings for the Edinburgh club before leaving in late June when his contract expired. He rose through the Toffees' ranks and played 12 times for their first team, as well as having loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Derby County.

Tactical fit: What each midfielder would bring to Deepdale

Graham Alexander will be assessing his options carefully. Greg Docherty offers box-to-box energy and Championship experience, having helped Charlton win promotion. Olivier Ntcham, with his Premier League and Scottish Premiership background, would add technical quality and goal threat from midfield—his 11 goals for Swansea show he can contribute in the final third.

Adama Traore, a left-footed midfielder, would bring balance to a Preston midfield that may lack natural width. His time at Hull City under Liam Rosenior suggests he can adapt to the Championship's demands, while his pedigree from Lille and Monaco indicates a certain level of class.

Beni Baningime, younger at 28, offers a different profile: a combative, defensively solid midfielder who was a key player for Hearts. His 127 appearances in Scotland and his Everton upbringing make him an attractive option. Each of these free agents would address a different need, and Alexander must decide which profile best suits his system.

Talking points

  • Should Preston prioritise Greg Docherty's Championship experience over Beni Baningime's younger legs and defensive solidity?
  • Is Olivier Ntcham's pedigree worth the risk given his recent stint in Turkey with Samsunspor?
  • Would Adama Traore's left-footed balance be a luxury or a necessity for Graham Alexander's midfield?
  • With several free agents available, can Preston afford to wait for Docherty, or should they move quickly for an alternative?

What happens next

Graham Alexander will continue to assess his squad as Preston North End prepare for their next Championship fixture. With the free agent market still open, decisions on Docherty and the three alternatives are expected in the coming weeks. Preston fans will be eager to see which direction the new manager takes as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

Frequently asked questions

Is Greg Docherty signing for Preston North End?

Preston North End are reportedly interested in signing Greg Docherty on a free transfer, but no deal has been confirmed. The midfielder is available after leaving Charlton Athletic.

Who are the three alternatives to Greg Docherty for Preston?

The three alternatives are Olivier Ntcham, Adama Traore, and Beni Baningime. All are free agents and could be targeted if a move for Docherty falls through.

What are Beni Baningime's stats for Hearts?

Beni Baningime made 127 appearances for Hearts before leaving in late June when his contract expired. He was part of the side that narrowly missed out on the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic.

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