Seven Potential Signings for Argyle This Summer

Ewan Macleod looks at seven potential transfers for Argyle, as a busy summer of recruitment begins under Wayne Rooney.

By Ewan Macleod

After Wayne Rooney’s arrival as the new head coach of Plymouth Argyle and the signing of Nathanael Ogbeta complete, the transfer window merry-go-round is fully upon us.

For Argyle Life, I’ve taken a closer look at some of the potential signings that could make their way down south and end up at Home Park. Some are more realistic, while others a touch more optimistic, hopefully with the chance to make use of our new Head Coach’s priceless connections.

Ryan Allsop – Hull City Goalkeeper

Despite reports that Wayne Rooney is keen to tie down Michael Cooper to a new long-term contract, there is still a firm possibility that the academy product makes way this summer with only one year remaining on his contract.

Ryan Allsop would be one potential option for Argyle. He has previous experience under Rooney, playing 33 games during his time at Derby County, keeping nine clean sheets in the process. Allsop joined Hull City a year ago, with recently sacked Liam Rosenior pivotal in the move, having also worked with him at Derby County. 

Rooney described Allsop as “a footballing goalkeeper […] who can dictate the game.” after his frustrations falling to defeat against Allsop while manager of Birmingham City. Allsop made 38 appearances last season, keeping 10 clean sheets for Rosenior’s side.

It’s worth noting that in a recent podcast with Stick to Football, Rooney actually talked about how highly he thought of Allsop. With rumours of Mike Cooper’s potential exit, he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Ravel Morrison – Free Agent Midfielder

Once tipped for greatness whilst at the Manchester United academy, Ravel Morrison has never hit the heights that he was once expected to.  There is no doubt that he has the talent, but getting the best out of him is what all managers seem to have found difficult.

Rooney has signed him for two different sides in Derby County and D.C. United respectively, showing his belief in his former teammates talent. This is despite never making an appearance together while Rooney was still a player.

Although axed from Rooney’s final D.C. United squad, there is no doubt that he has a lot of faith in the once hotly tipped England U-21 international.

Morrison has been without a club since he left DC United in January 2023. Although they have worked together before, I wouldn’t bet too much money on this one happening.

Macaulay Langstaff – Notts County Forward

Plymouth Argyle have been crying out for another striker to join Ryan Hardie and Ben Waine to offer depth at the striker position. The only other option is youngster Freddie Issaka, who while highly thought of at the club, might find it too soon to play a major role.

Langstaff has hit the back of the net 70 times in only 96 appearances for Notts County, with 10 assists on top. He has proved repeatedly that he is a huge threat in front of goal and could add an extra dynamic to Argyle’s forward line. 

The only question for many Argyle fans is whether he would be able to transition his impressive numbers to Championship football, having never played above League Two in his career to date.

Even so, his goalscoring tally is hard to ignore and it is likely that a team above League Two takes a punt on him sooner rather than later.

Dele Alli – Everton Midfielder

Despite still being under contact at Rooney’s former side Everton, it’s likely that the former England and Tottenham star’s contract will not be renewed this summer by Sean Dyche. It will leave Dele available as a potential free transfer.

As a former international teammate of Rooney’s, much has been made of Dele’s struggles with form, injuries and serious mental health battles. Despite this, in a recent interview with Gary Neville, he explained his desire to return to football with an aim of a redemption, potentially earning himself a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

His most recent game time came over a year ago, whilst out on loan to Besiktas in Turkey. Here he made 15 appearances and scored 3 goals, failing to leave a lasting impression.

Given that Dele may now need to drop down a level to have success playing football again, Home Park might be just the place for him to spark a comeback. We know he is an unbelievable talent from his time at Spurs, and perhaps this could be a link up to kick-start his career again. Argyle is a good place for that, just ask Brendan Galloway.

Ben Gibson – Free Agent Defender

After leaving Norwich City this summer at the end of his contract, Ben Gibson would be a central defender who could add an extra sense of security to Argyle’s back line. This could be even more important given the rumours of Lewis Gibson’s potential departure this summer.

After making 40 appearances in all competitions for Norwich City this season, the 31-year-old still has what it takes to play Championship football, having played in both of the Canaries’ play-off semi-finals against Leeds United.

His experience of playing for Argyle during a loan spell in 2011, making 16 appearances, might help to secure his services. Despite Dan Scarr’s excellent form at the end of the season, an assured figure would be vital for Argyle, especially with the question marks looming over the futures of Gibson and Galloway.

The left-sided centre back could be exactly what Wayne Rooney is looking for.

Willy Kambwala – Manchester United Defender (Loan) 

Although this one may be a long shot, Wayne Rooney’s contacts at Manchester United, where he is a club legend, cannot be understated. A number of loan signings are definitely a possibility, not just Kambwala.

From France, Kambwala was thrust into first team action under Erik Ten Hag amidst a host of injury problems at Old Trafford this season and managed to hold his own. With new ownership arriving and a rebuild of United’s squad, a few moreexperienced central defenders might make their way through the doors.

This would allow for Kambwala to move out on loan, with Argyle one potential landing place if the club decides it’s best for his development.

A quick, robust central defender with a high ceiling could be an excellent addition to Rooney’s Argyle side, as long as United are willing to allow him to leave on loan.

Lewis Dobbin – Everton Forward (Loan)

Another one of Rooney’s connections could come in handy with this one. However, I am not entirely sold that Everton will be willing to let him leave. A loan might be more realistic.

A quick, skilful forward who has shown some promise having played a dozen Premier League games for the club under Sean Dyche, scoring once. Dobbin would definitely be a welcomed addition to Argyle’s currently limited front line.

During a loan spell at League One Derby County in the 2022-23 season, Dobbin featured 54 times in all competitions and racked up 11 goal contributions.

I am sure he could build upon this in the Championship with Argyle, after somewhat limited Premier League experience for an Everton side who spent the season fighting off potential relegation.

If Everton decides that Dobbin needs a loan for further development, I think Argyle would be a great fit for him. The Rooney link means it would make even more sense.