'He will be' - Portsmouth expert tells Preston North End what to expect from Callum Lang as warning fired

Preston North End’s new signing Callum Lang ‘knows where the goal is’ - but keeping him fit will be the big challenge.

That is the verdict of Portsmouth reporter, Pepe Lacey, who closely watched the new PNE man’s two-and-a-half year stint at Fratton Park. Lang’s transfer saga dragged into the final day of the window but he ended up making the move for a ‘club record fee’ - and signing a three-and-a-half year deal at Deepdale.

“He joined in January 2024 and instantly embedded into the squad,” said Lacey. “He became an instant fan favourite to help Pompey win the League One title. His record in front of goal last year was brilliant, but then the injuries have massively impacted his time. I think it was 11 games in the last 11 months.

”So, the fact Pompey have been able to get such a good fee for Callum Lang, I think people have sort of accepted that. Don't get me wrong, everybody knows how big of a player he is. Callum Lang is a top bloke and a very, very good player when fit. He knows where the goal is.

“You look at his injuries, they've properly hampered him over the last 12 months. He arrived at Pompey with not really that bad of an injury record. It's so frustrating because the quality is there in the player and when fit, he was easily one of the most creative players in the squad. But, Pompey have definitely got a good deal for him.”

The hope for Preston is that Lang will become a key attacking force in the team, over the next few years. He scored 10 league goals last season for Portsmouth and assisted a couple. Lang only managed eight appearances in the league this campaign but chipped in with two goals. What is it that makes him such a tricky customer?

”He's very good on the ball,” said Lacey. “He really likes to dribble, take a man on. He does that very well. He is quite quick. Pompey sort of used him in two different ways. When Lang first joined, he was really seen as a number 10 and then over the last 12 months or so, when he has been fit, he's been transitioned into a sort of right winger role.

“It was quite surprising. I don't think he is really much of a winger. I still think his best position is a number 10. He loves to have a shot... he's got a very good shot on him and very good accuracy as well. In the box, you want a Callum Lang in there because he knows where the back of the net is. It's just about keeping him fit and available because when you do, he will score goals.”

As far as the Portsmouth faithful were concerned, many were clearly sad to see Lang go - despite the deal being viewed as decent business. As Lacey says, that feeling towards him went beyond his efforts on the pitch.

”As a journalist, he's one of the best people to speak to after the game,” said Lacey. “He will always give an honest opinion. He'll always talk about any situation, any game. Lang understood Pompey to a tee, understood what it meant to the fans most importantly, and really played for the badge.

“He understood the club, understood the city. No doubt he'll be the exact same at Preston. He'll try and fit in with the community and just play his best for the club. He will always be full throttle. You don't get a 50 per cent Callum Lang. He will be 110 per cent every single game, because that's just the type of player he is.”

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