Plymouth Argyle’s Rooney Confirms Whittaker Staying Amidst Squad Reinforcement Plans

Plymouth Argyle’s head coach, Wayne Rooney, has confirmed that he met with the club’s board in anticipation of the upcoming transfer window. Rooney stated that the club is well-positioned to strengthen its squad, which has been affected by injuries, once the January transfer period commences next week. The Pilgrims are currently missing forwards Muhamed Tijani, Ryan Hardie, Ibrahom Cissoko, and Morgan Whittaker, all sidelined with injuries. Furthermore, Argyle’s medical team is evaluating a groin injury sustained by a fifth forward, Michael Obafemi, a loanee from Burnley, who exited early during the 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough. “There’s one which we’ve had an eye on for a long time, certainly six months, who we’re hopeful we can do,” Rooney commented before the team’s Boxing Day match against Coventry City. He continued, “Then there’s other players we’re trying to bring in which will help us.” “But we’re not in a position to say they’re close because they’re not close at the minute,” he added. Rooney further explained, “But we know the players we want to bring in, we’ve identified players and then back-up players to that, and back-up players to the back-up players.” “In January sometimes it takes longer. We hope we can get players in as soon as possible, if not we have to keep working,” Rooney concluded regarding the transfer process. Rooney, the former England captain, faces a decision regarding the future of Andre Gray, who is currently the club’s sole fit senior centre forward and whose short-term contract expires on 3 January. “Of course there’s discussions, there’s talks with Andre and his agent,” Rooney stated. He emphasized, “From our point of view we have to do the right thing for the football club.” “Andre’s important for us, he’s shown that when he’s scored some really important goals for us,” Rooney acknowledged. He added, “He’s the one forward we’ve got fit, so I think that brings a little bit more importance to him.” Morgan Whittaker was acquired by Argyle from Swansea City in the summer of 2023 for a club-record fee of £1m. Whittaker, who has been sidelined since the beginning of the month due to a foot injury, remains regarded as one of Argyle’s most valuable players. The 23-year-old was included in the Championship team of the season last year and received an offer from Italian club Lazio in January of the previous year. Whittaker, who was the top scorer last season, has scored three goals in 16 appearances this season and is anticipated to regain fitness within the next two weeks. “Morgan is very close to coming back playing, which is great for us,” Rooney confirmed. “I suppose it’s always a positive and a complement to any player when there’s interest, but I had this throughout the summer really and stated that he wouldn’t be leaving,” Rooney commented on transfer interest. He firmly stated, “As far as I’m aware he’s our player and he will be.” Rooney further remarked, “I can’t control speculation, Morgan can’t control speculation, I’m sure it’ll happen with other players as well.” “But ultimately, Morgan’s got a long contract at the club and has already stated to me he’s really happy here,” Rooney concluded.