Plymouth Argyle has been notably active in the transfer market during the winter window of 2025, securing a mix of permanent signings, loan deals, and free agent acquisitions. The Champiosnhip club has focused primarily on reinforcing defensive positions while also adding experience and youth across the squad.
With significant financial investment, particularly in central defense, Plymouth appears determined to solidify their position in England’s second tier.
Defensive reinforcements take priority
The Pilgrims have made their defensive line a clear priority in this transfer window, with several significant additions. Lewis Gibson arrived from Prseton North End for approximately €1.8 million on January 3, representing one of the club’s larger investments. The 24-year-old central defender was joined by Maksym Talovierov, who transferred from Austrian side LASK Linz for around €2 million on the final day of the window. These two permanent signings were supplemented by the loan acquisition of Nikola Katić from Swiss club FC Zürich, giving manager Wayne Rooney multiple new options at center-back.
The full-back positions also received attention with Tymoteusz Puchacz joining on loan from Holstein Kiel on January 9 to strengthen the left side of defense. Additionally, Saxon Earley returned from his loan spell at Lincoln City on January 14, providing further depth at left-back. The late January addition of Josh Bernard further bolstered the defensive unit, though specific details about his position and previous club were not disclosed in the transfer announcement.
Midfield and attacking additions
Plymouth’s midfield has been enhanced with several strategic signings. Michael Baidoo, a 25-year-old central midfielder, arrived from Swedish club Elfsborg on January 3, bringing Scandinavian league experience to Home Park. The Pilgrims also secured experienced defensive midfielder Adam Forshaw as a free agent on January 11, with the 33-year-old adding valuable Championship experience to the squad. The midfield reinforcementes were completed with the February 3 acquisition of Malachi Boateng from Hearts, with the 22-year-old representing an investment in younger talent.
In attack, the most notable addition was Morgan Whittaker, who transferred from Middlesbrough on January 24. The 23-year-old right winger returns to Plymouth after a previous spell with the club. Veteran striker Andre Gray also joined as a free agent from Turkish side Karagümrük on January 13, bringing his considerable experience at Championship and Premier League level to Plymouth’s forward line.
Goalkeeper situation addressed
Plymouth Argyle also moved to strengthen their goalkeeping department during the winter window. Marko Maroši, a 31-year-old goalkeeper, transferred from Cambridge United on January 14, bringing Football League experience to the position. The club also welcomed back 20-year-old goalkeeper Zak Baker, who returned from his loan spell at Tiverton Town on January 1, providing additional depth between the posts.
The combination of these goalkeeping moves suggests Plymouth were keen to create competition for the starting position while also ensuring adequate cover throughout the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. With both an experienced option in Maroši and a developing talent in Baker, the Pilgrims appear well-positioned in this crucial area of the pitch.
Financial investment and squad profile
Plymouth Argyle’s transfer activity represents a significant financial commitment, particularly with the acquisitions of Gibson and Talovierov for a combined sum approaching €4 million. This follows the club’s substantial investment in the 2023/24 season, when they spent approximately £2,178,000 on player purchases without recording any sales, resulting in a net transfer spend of -£2,178,000.
The current squad now consists of 33 players with an average age of 24.3 years, suggesting a balanced approach between immediate performance and long-term development. With 16 foreign players and a total market value estimated at €31.2 million, Plymouth Argyle has assembled a diverse and relatively valuable squad by Championship standards. The winter 2025 transfer window appears to have been approached with clear strategic goals, focusing on specific positions that required reinforcement while maintaining a balance between experience and potential.