Plymouth Argyle have completed the signing of forward Morgan Whittaker from Swansea on a four-year deal, according to the club’s official website.
Whittaker is a familiar face at Home Park having spent the first half of last season on loan with Argyle. In the 25 games that he played for the Pilgrims last season, the youngster racked up a hugely impressive nine goals and seven assists.
Those contributions in the first half of the year greatly helped Plymouth on their way to the League One title, fending off competition from both Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday. The forthcoming season will be Argyle’s first in the Championship since 2010 and the signing of Whittaker is a real statement to the rest of the league.
During the second half of the season, the youngster would make 15 appearances for Swansea, with the majority of those appearances coming off of the bench. This looks like a great move career-wise for Whittaker, who didn’t truly get a chance to show his full potential at Swansea. The return to Home Park should get the best out of the youngster, who will be a key man in Schumacher’s plans as well as the future of the club.
Who is Morgan Whittaker?
Beginning his career with Derby County, Whittaker would make 25 appearances for the Rams before moving to Swansea in 2021. Capped by England up until the under-20s, the forward is held in an extremely high regard, but never really got the chance to show his promise at Swansea. A loan move to Lincoln City for the second half of the 2021/22 season allowed Whittaker to gain more regular game time as well as experience and that no doubt helped during his loan spell at Plymouth. The 2022/23 season was his best to date and that was largely down to playing under Steven Schumacher. With the two now re-united, Whittaker will be looking to pick up where he left off and try to prove himself as a top forward in the Championship.
Whats been said?
Speaking on his fifth summer signing, manager Steven Schumacher said:
“Morgan really needs no introduction to the Green Army after his contributions in our title-winning campaign last season. He scored and created crucial goals in the time he was with us, and we were all naturally disappointed when he was recalled in January.
“At just 22 he has so much room for growth and development, and we are thrilled he has decided that Home Park is the place he wants to do that. He gets fans off their seats and is one of the most exciting prospects in the EFL.
“He has been one of our main targets all summer, and it is a real coup to bring him back to the club. I know the fans will agree when I say I can’t wait to see him run out in an Argyle shirt once again.”
Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip, added:
“He fits the profile of player we like to work with, young and exciting, with loads of room for growth. We saw what he could do last year in League One, and there is no doubt in our minds that he will have a similar impact for us in the Championship this season.
“This is a club record deal for Argyle, and I want to thank Simon (Hallett) and the board for their continued support and faith in allowing us to bring in our top targets.”
Writer’s view
This is a huge signing for Plymouth and truly shows their intent for the forthcoming season. Whittaker was electric during his loan spell with Argyle and would’ve almost certainly been in the League One Player of the Year conversation had he stayed the whole season. We already know how well he gets on with Steven Schumacher, and I expect him to replicate last season’s form with Argyle once again. The four-year contract shows Plymouth’s confidence in the 22-year-old, and we should see that faith re-paid in the forthcoming year.
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