Plymouth Argyle is approaching a crucial summer transfer window with new manager Wayne Rooney at the helm, as he aims to build his squad for a significant 2024/25 Championship season. Rooney, who was appointed as Argyle’s boss on May 25, did not have the opportunity to influence the club’s retained list, which was published on May 10. As a result, players Callum Burton, Jack Endacott, and Oscar Halls have already departed from the team.
The Pilgrims have extended new contract offers to defenders Brendan Galloway and Mickel Miller. Galloway agreed to revised terms on May 31, while negotiations with Miller have reportedly stalled, making him a potential target for other Championship clubs on a free transfer. Stoke City, managed by former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher, has been linked with an interest in Miller. However, Plymouth seems to have already secured potential replacements for the left wing-back position should Miller move to the Potteries this summer.
Nathanael Ogbeta joined Rooney’s squad on May 30 and appears to be a suitable replacement for Miller in that role if he departs. Additionally, the team has promising young talent in Saxon Earley, who is capable of playing as a left wing-back. Therefore, Miller’s potential exit should not cause significant concern for Plymouth, as they have viable alternatives ready to step in.
Ogbeta is a ready-made replacement for Miller
Salford-born Nathanael Ogbeta joined Manchester City at the age of ten, quickly establishing himself as a standout talent in his age group, as evidenced by his regular inclusion in England’s youth squads at U15, U16, U17, and U18 levels. Despite his promise, Ogbeta left Manchester City in January 2021 without making a senior appearance, opting to join League One side Shrewsbury Town. He made an immediate impact there, earning the Young Player of the Year award in his debut season, even though he had joined mid-season.
In January 2022, Ogbeta signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Swansea City for a reported fee of £300,000. However, his time at Swansea was marred by hamstring issues, limiting him to just 53 minutes of play in his first half-season. It appeared he might leave the club that summer after reportedly being informed he was not part of manager Russell Martin’s first-team plans. Despite this setback, Ogbeta remained at Swansea but struggled to break into the team.
Ogbeta’s fortunes improved with loan spells at Peterborough United during the 2022/23 season and Bolton Wanderers last season, where he impressed by scoring two goals and providing four assists, helping Ian Evatt’s side reach the play-off final. With his contract at Swansea set to expire this summer, Plymouth Argyle acted swiftly to secure his services for the upcoming season, following his strong performances in League One with Bolton.
| Nathanael Ogbeta Bolton Wanderers 2023/24 League One statistics | |
|---|---|
| Games | 15 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Key passes per game | 1.5 |
| Interceptions per game | 0.4 |
| Tackles per game | 1.3 |
| Dribbled past per game | 0.7 |
| Stats as per Sofascore | |
The signing of Nathanael Ogbeta may prove to be a strategic masterstroke for Plymouth Argyle. Ogbeta is well-suited to replace Mickel Miller at left wing-back and, at five years younger, has the potential to generate future profit if he performs well. Plymouth also boasts the highly-regarded 21-year-old full-back Saxon Earley, who was loaned to League One’s Wycombe Wanderers at the end of the January transfer window to gain playing time after recovering from a torn ligament. Unfortunately, Earley sustained a similar injury before he could play for Wycombe and is expected to be sidelined until July.
Earley’s recent setbacks come after a breakout 2022/23 season in which he impressed during a loan spell at League Two’s Stevenage. He returned to Home Park in the winter and contributed to Plymouth’s League One victory. Former manager Steven Schumacher deemed Earley ready for second-tier football last year, playing him for the full 90 minutes in two of Plymouth’s first three games of the season. Once fit, Earley is likely to be given another opportunity to compete for a place in the squad under new manager Wayne Rooney.