Plymouth Argyle will receive a transfer fee of over £1.5 million for defender Lewis Gibson from Championship rivals Preston North End, Plymouth Live understands.

Gibson, who has captained Argyle several times this season, has signed a contract with Preston until the summer of 2028 after they met a pre-existing clause in his deal with the Pilgrims.

The 24-year-old joined Argyle as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after turning down a new contract with Everton so while there will be understandable disappointment a key player has left Home Park the transfer fee for him represents very good business for the club.

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There has been considerable speculation about the future of Gibson since he was not included in the Pilgrims' squad for the 2-2 New Year's Day draw against Bristol City at Home Park, although his absence was put down to an injury by first team coach Kevin Nancekivell and the centre-back watched the game from the directors' area in the Lower Mayflower Grandstand.

Gibson told Preston's official club website: Lewis said: "It has been a whirlwind 24-48 hours, but I'm really happy to be here. I’m really excited for the challenge and I can’t wait to get going.

“I feel like the club over the years has been a very stable Championship club. It's a project now where I want to take it to the next level and try and break it into the top six and potentially go ahead.

“I have got real excitement and a real fire in the belly about getting going. I can’t wait to get out there, especially at home and playing in front of the home fans to show them what I can do.”

Gibson will be available to make his Preston debut in the Emirates FA Cup third round tie at home to Charlton Athletic on Saturday, January 11.

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom added: “Lewis is a really good defender who we are delighted to have been able to bring in. We have beaten a few clubs to his signature so I think he’s excited about what he’s walking into here and likewise we are excited to add him to our squad.

"He’s a player who the fans will quickly see is very capable with the ball at his feet, but he’s also someone who just loves to defend and he’s shown that he can do that to a high level in the Championship."

Gibson made a total of 59 starts and four substitute appearances for Argyle and scored his first - and only - goal in the 3-3 draw at home to Middlesbrough on December 21.

In a statement confirming the transfer of Gibson to Preston, Argyle said: "We thank Lewis for his contribution in the green and white, and wish him the very best for the future."

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