Preston North End have their sights on German midfielder Franz Roggow but face rival interest from Hertha Berlin Sky Sports Germany reporter Ben Heckner.
Preston North End are in a healthy position as the second half of the 2025/26 season gets underway. A slight drop in results has pushed PNE out of the play-off places, but they remain well above pre-season expectations.
The January window offers an opportunity to add even more quality, and Paul Heckingbottom will be too wants to make the best of it. At the same time, the attention of rival clubs on some of the North End’s standout performers cannot be ruled out.
New signings are on PNE’s radar and they are looking abroad, said Sky Sports Germany reporter Ben Heckner. He has claimed that North End are monitoring Hannover 96 midfielder Franz Roggow.
Roggow came to Hannover from Borussia Dortmund, but was able to move on after just a few months. The German Hertha Berlin is also monitoring his situation.
More about potential PNE target Franz Roggow
He started his youth career locally at SV Jahn Bad Freienwalde and Preussen Eberswalde before joining the academy of FC Energie Cottbus in 2015, where he played alongside future Bundesliga star Maxi Beier. In 2018, Roggow moved to FC St. Pauli, where he progressed through their youth and reserve teams.
He impressed in the Regionalliga Nord with St. Pauli’s second team, scoring goals and gaining valuable senior experience. In July 2023, he transferred to Borussia Dortmund II in the 3. Liga for free.
Roggow became a regular starter for two seasons. His consistent performances as a defensively sound but progressive midfielder saw him recognized as one of Germany’s promising young talents.
Looking for a step up, he joined Hannover 96 on a free transfer in July 2025, signing a contract lasting until 2028. However, the adjustment to the 2. Bundesliga proved difficult, with limited appearances in the first half of the season.
The youth career of Frank Roggow
| Club | Games | Goals | Assists |
| B. Dortmund II | 70 | 6 | 7 |
| St. Pauli II | 33 | 10 | 7 |
| St. Pauli U19 | 28 | 12 | – |
| St. Pauli U17 | 20 | 8 | 2 |
With Roggow clearly looking for a fresh start, a move abroad could suit him. However, for Preston North End, they would be getting a fairly unproven player.
A potential Armstrong replacement?
PNE is set to lose loanee Harrison Armstrong in the coming days. Everton It seems likely they will remember their midfielder to cover injuries and international call-ups.
That’s a big blow Preston North End. However, a move from Roggow could compensate for that loss.
Heckingbottom will want to find a replacement quickly with PNE in such a good place in the Championship.
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