HUDDERSFIELD Town goalkeeper Lee Nicholls has completed his move across the Pennines to Preston North End.

The Liverpool-born custodian was the club’s last playing link with the Terriers side who reached the Championship play-off final under Carlos Corberan in a magnificent 2021-22 campaign.

The 33-year-old has now found a route back to the second tier after a five-year stint in West Yorkshire and has joined North End for an undisclosed fee.

Nicholls’ move follows on from Jacob Chapman’s switch to St Mirren earlier in the day with Jak Alnwick likely to be fighting it out for number one duties with recent loan signing Matty Young in 2026-27, with Nik Tzanev providing back-up.

Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Lee Nicholls has joined Preston North End.

placeholder image — Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Lee Nicholls has joined Preston North End.

Nicholls joined on a free transfer from MK Dons in the summer of 2021 and his outstanding maiden season at the club saw him named in both the EFL and PFA Team of the Year following 19 clean sheets in his debut campaign.

The Merseysider went onto captain Town on occasions over subsequent years and made a total of 178 appearances for the club, keeping 49 clean sheets.

Nicholls did sign a new deal last autumn, but has now been allowed to move back to the north west at a Championship club.

He represents the club’s third senior departure already in this window following the exits of Dion Charles and Alfie May.

Nicholls pictured in action in the West Yorkshire derby against Bradford City at the Accu Stadium in January. Photo: Tony Johnson.

Town sporting director Chris Markham commented: "First and foremost, Lee has been an incredible servant for the club and moves on to his next challenge knowing that he will always be welcome here at Huddersfield Town.

"A move that speaks to Lee’s priorities both personally and professionally, the deal also reinforces our ability to adapt the men’s first team ahead of the 2026-27 season.

"An excellent professional and even better person, we’re thankful to Lee for his commitment to the club in his time here with us and wish he and his young family the very best for their new chapter."

Town head coach Martin Drury added: "Lee has been at the club for a long period of time and has been part of really successful teams here.

"It’s been a real pleasure for me to have worked with him, and I’ve the utmost respect for him and what he’s achieved so far in his career. Whilst he will be missed, I’m pleased that this move is one that Lee and ourselves feel is the right one, at the right time."