Plymouth Argyle have reportedly approached Wigan Athletic over goalkeeper Sam Tickle as the Pilgrims hope to sign the 22-year-old as a replacement for Michael Cooper.
As stated by Football Insider, Plymouth opened negotiations with Wigan for Tickle, who started the Latics opening three matches of the new season. The Pilgrims boss Wayne Rooney is reportedly hoping to sign the England under-21 goalkeeper to challenge existing first-choice Conor Hazard.
Plymouth’s interest in Tickle follows Michael Cooper’s departure from Home Park to Sheffield United last week. Cooper joined the Blades for a reported £2 million plus add-ons, while Rooney told the Plymouth Herald that the club was in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 24-year-old’s replacement.
Despite Plymouth’s seemingly firm interest in signing Tickle, the Devonshire outfit may face competition for his signature. Football Insider also reported that another, unnamed Championship side approached Wigan over the 22-year-old’s availability.
Tickle was Wigan’s ever-present goalkeeper in the 2023/24 League One campaign. The 22-year-old started in all 46 third-tier matches for the Latics, kept 15 clean sheets and conceded 56 goals. Currently, the English goalkeeper has just under four years left on his contract with the Greater Manchester club, which expires in June 2028, as recorded by Transfermarkt.
Hazard has been Plymouth’s starting goalkeeper for their opening three matches and he made 27 Championship appearances last season. However, the Devon-based club have struggled to keep the goals out in the 2024/25 campaign during a 4-0 opening match loss at Sheffield Wednesday and a 1-1 draw with Hull on Saturday.
The Pilgrim’s other goalkeeper option is Zak Baker, who was originally on loan at Plymouth Parkway. But the club had to recall the 19-year-old following the goalkeeper shortage at Home Park after Cooper left the club.
Writer’s View
Plymouth will be eager to sign Tickle given their lack of depth in the goalkeeping department. The club cannot rely solely on Hazard as the only senior goalkeeper and the Pilgrims need at least one more option alongside Hazard.
However, while Tickle may be high on the Pilgrim’s wishlist, getting the Wigan man over the line could be challenging. The 22-year-old’s lengthy contract length means the Latics are in no hurry to sell. In addition, Plymouth’s immediate need for another senior goalkeeper puts the League One side in a strong position to negotiate on their terms.
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