Preston North End have suffered an early setback in their search for a new striker after Spanish-Nigerian forward Kevin Carlos rejected the Championship club’s first approach, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to French newspaper L’Équipe, Preston, managed by Paul Heckingbottom, made an opening move for the 25-year-old as they looked to strengthen their attack before the start of the 2026-27 EFL Championship season. However, both Carlos and his representatives declined the proposal, ending any immediate hopes of a deal.
The Lilywhites have been busy in the transfer market as they prepare for another promotion challenge. The club has already completed the permanent signing of midfielder Alfie Devine while Swedish forward Jusef Erabi has joined on loan. Even with those additions, Preston remain determined to recruit another striker capable of leading their frontline.
Carlos has also rejected a firm offer from Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor. Reports suggest the striker wants to stay in one of Europe’s top five leagues despite a difficult first season in France with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
Nice, meanwhile, are willing to sell the striker – alongside Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi – during the summer transfer window. The French club signed him from Swiss champions FC Basel for around €6 million in August 2025, but they are now hoping to lower their wage bill and generate funds for new signings.
The move has not worked out as planned for either club or player. Carlos made 23 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign without scoring a single league goal. His only two goals for Nice came in the UEFA Europa League, while he finished the season with 35 appearances across all competitions.
Despite those disappointing numbers, the striker believes he still has more to offer at the highest level. Rather than stepping down to England’s second division or moving to Turkey, Carlos is reportedly determined to prove himself in Ligue 1 or another elite European league.
Kevin Carlos: The Swiss champion under Nigeria’s radar
Although his time at Nice has been frustrating, Kevin Carlos has already shown during his career that he can recover from difficult moments.
Born in Ceuta, Spain, the 6-foot-2 striker developed in the youth ranks of SD Huesca before beginning his senior career with AD Almudévar in 2018. He later impressed for Huesca B, scoring 24 goals in 53 matches, earning opportunities with Huesca’s first team.
Carlos made his senior debut in the Copa del Rey in December 2020 before scoring his first professional league goal against UD Ibiza in Spain’s Segunda División in September 2022. A short loan spell with Betis Deportivo followed in early 2023 as he searched for regular playing time.
His career took a major turn after moving to Switzerland. Initially joining Yverdon-Sport on loan in July 2023, Carlos quickly developed into a dangerous forward in the Swiss Super League. The deal became permanent six months later, and he scored 12 league goals in just 21 matches during the second half of his stay.
His impressive performances earned him a move to FC Basel in August 2024. There, he continued his fine form, scoring 14 goals in 39 appearances while helping Basel win the 2024-25 Swiss Super League title. Those displays convinced Nice to invest €6 million to bring him to France.
Internationally, Carlos remains an interesting player for both Spain and Nigeria. Born in Spain to a Spanish mother and a Nigerian father, he is eligible to represent either country but has not yet played for either at youth or senior level.
The exciting forward is believed to be more inclined to representing the three-time African champions. An excellent season in any of Europe’s top five leagues could earn him a first Super Eagles call-up from head coach Eric Chelle.
