Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney has revealed that Burnley returned with ‘two or three’ offers for talisman Morgan Whittaker on Transfer Deadline Day.
The 23-year-old was the subject of much interest throughout the transfer window but emerged as a top target for Championship rivals Burnley. Other clubs linked with the winger included Crystal Palace, Brentford, Rangers, Lazio, Stuttgart and Celta Vigo.
Whittaker was the shining light for Plymouth last season as they salvaged their second tier status on the final day. His 19 league goals was a major factor in their survival, earning him the club’s Player of the Season.
Speculation was therefore inevitable, but he began the campaign at Home Park. It’s not been a great start for the Pilgrims, although the ex-Lincoln City loanee reminded everyone of his obvious ability when he opened his account for the campaign in stunning fashion in a 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers last weekend.
Rooney had made it clear since taking over in May that he was keen for Whittaker to remain at the club, and it looked as if he may come through the window unscathed. However, they faced an anxious few hours as Burnley showed their hand on Friday. Speaking at his press conference prior to yesterday’s fixture against Stoke City, the 38-year-old said:
“We received a bid and it’s absolutely miles away from what we would even consider. It was laughable really.”
Morgan Whittaker played an excellent one-two with the QPR defence before thundering home. What a strike. #pafc
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) August 24, 2024
According to Plymouth Live, one of those bids was a loan offer with an option to buy in the event that the Clarets earned promotion to the Premier League. Speaking after yesterday’s defeat, Rooney detailed further bids whilst expressing his delight that the player opted to remain on the south coast:
“Burnley came back two or three times (on Friday) with different offers but I think it shows the direction the club are wanting to go in that we kept him,” he said. “We made it clear we wanted him here at the club and Morgan is happy to be here so I was delighted in the end.
“He was a big threat first half and showed a lot of the qualities he has. I think Stoke defended well second half against him.”
Burnley eventually walked away, signing Jeremy Sarmiento on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Writer’s View
Keeping Morgan Whittaker was an absolute must for Plymouth and is a major boost to their survival prospects this season. Wayne Rooney has been tasked with building on their 21st-placed finish last season and retaining the services of such a talent will aid with that.
It is now up to the manager to get the rest of the squad performing up to the same standard. The speculation could return if the Pilgrims find themselves in real danger come January, whilst relegation would surely see his time at Home Park come to a premature end. They have tough games coming up after the international break and they could be left to rue missed opportunities from their opening four fixtures.
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