A return to Preston North End for Lewis Dobbin is unlikely given the funds that would be involved in a permanent deal. Dobbin has interest from elsewhere, but Aston Villa intends to assess their options.

Lewis Dobbin joined on loan from Aston Villa at the start of the 2025/26 season. The loan deal did not have an option to buy, which made the chances of a permanent return to Preston North End slim.

Another loan spell is a possibility for Lewis Dobbin to continue his first-team football development. A return to Deepdale this summer transfer window could be facilitated by the Lilywhites’ relationship with Villa, due to previous loan success, and a potential ownership change. It is uncertain whether Aston Villa have plans to play Dobbin in their first-team next season or believe he needs to play elsewhere as regularly as possible.

Forward Lewis Dobbin, who joined Preston North End on loan from Aston Villa in the summer, has been described by his manager Paul Heckingbottom as a diligent professional. Preston's captain, Ben Whiteman, also expressed his admiration, telling BBC Radio Lancashire that he hopes the club signs either Dobbin or fellow loanee Alfie Devine. It is not known if Preston will attempt to sign Dobbin when the summer transfer window comes.