Preston North End are set to allow winger Josh Bowler to return to Nottingham Forest this winter, as reported by journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon page.
The 25-year-old joined Preston on loan during the summer transfer window but has struggled to make a meaningful impact at Deepdale.
Bowler has made nine appearances in all competitions this season, with seven coming in the Championship, but he has yet to find the back of the net.
According to Nixon’s update, Bowler is likely to return to his parent club ahead of the January transfer window, leaving Nottingham Forest with a significant decision about his future.
Preston’s struggles and Bowler’s role
Preston suffered a 2-1 defeat to QPR over the weekend, a game in which defender Liam Lindsay was sent off.
Bowler was brought in to strengthen the Lilywhites’ attacking options, but the move has not gone as planned. Despite his late-August arrival, he has been unable to carve out a significant role in the squad.
Upon joining Preston, Bowler expressed optimism about the opportunity. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said:
“I’m very happy. I’m looking forward to getting started and playing football again and enjoying it. After speaking to the manager about how he wants to play and what his plan is for me, it was really good and it was something I was looking forward to.
“It’s obviously going to be a little bit different to what the fans are used to seeing but it’s going to be exciting because it’s a forward-thinking, aggressive style of play which I’m ready to get playing.”
However, his stint with the club has not delivered on that initial promise, prompting both parties to consider an early termination of the loan deal.
Bowler’s journey so far
Bowler’s career has been a winding road. He began as a youth player at Fulham, Aldershot Town, and QPR before moving to Everton in 2017, where he spent four years.
During his time with the Toffees, he was loaned out to Hull City before signing with Blackpool, where he thrived.
While at Bloomfield Road, Bowler scored 10 goals in 52 appearances, earning a move to Nottingham Forest in 2022.
However, he has yet to make a senior competitive appearance for Forest, having been loaned out to Blackpool, Olympiacos, and Cardiff City since his arrival. During his time at Cardiff last season, he managed five goals in 39 appearances.
Uncertain future
Bowler’s contract with Nottingham Forest is set to expire in June 2024, leaving his future uncertain.
Should he return to Forest in January, the club will need to decide whether to integrate him into their plans or seek another loan or permanent transfer.
For now, Bowler’s stint at Preston appears to be coming to an early conclusion, marking another chapter in the attacker’s eventful career.