BREAKING: Preston North End announce sixth signing of the summer as defender joins club

Preston North End have confirmed the signing of defender Harry Clarke from Ipswich Town.

Clarke joins on a three-year deal with the option to extend by another year - he will wear the number four shirt.

Upon signing, he told the club website: “I'm really happy to sign for Preston North End. They’re a great club, with great fans and they’ve shown their ambition this summer with some big signings.

“I can’t wait to get started and show the North End fans what I can do.”

Manager Paul Heckingbottom added: “I’m really pleased we’ve managed to get a deal for Harry done. He knows what it takes to play right at the top of this division and he’s got a couple of promotions under his belt.

“I’ve said throughout the summer that I’m confident we can land our main targets and being able to add Léo and Harry to the group today, both on permanent deals, re-enforces that as well as our ambition.”

The 25-year-old right-back began his senior career at Arsenal. During his time with the Gunners, he had loan spells with Oldham, Ross County, Hibernian and Stoke City. In January 2023, he joined Ipswich Town and enjoyed back-to-back promotions under then-boss Kieran McKenna.

Clarke played a major role in those League One and Championship campaigns, and made seven top-flight appearances for the Tractor Boys. He went out on loan to Sheffield United in January 2025. While he was part of Ipswich’s second-tier squad last season, he made no appearances and left on loan once again, this time to Charlton Athletic in January 2026.

His loan spell with the Addicks was regarded as a big success; he started all but three of the games he was available for following his arrival. He is a right-back by trade but can play either in that position in a back four, or a little further forward at wing-back should a back three be deployed.