Plymouth Argyle could be set to capitalise on a one-in, one-out turnaround at Swansea City this summer. With the Swans setting their sights on Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon, a move for Jay Fulton has arisen for the Pilgrims.
Alan Nixon has reported that the 32-year-old could become Plymouth’s new midfielder if Erhahon’s move is given the green light. Having largely been a mainstay for Swansea since returning from a 2017/18 loan spell with Wigan Athletic, Fulton has accumulated 290 appearances in all competitions for the Welsh side.
Argyle’s relegation to League One last season has consequently led to the key departure of passionate manager, Miron Muslic – with the Austrian manager joining FC Schalke 04 as they themselves look to gain promotion from the 2. Bundesliga. However, the prospect of signing the versatile midfielder may lighten the supporters’ spirits ahead of a crucial campaign.
Fulton’s Recent Performances
Last season, Fulton’s involvement in the Championship declined, largely due to the growing inclusion of Joe Allen, Lewis O’Brien and Goncalo Franco as a midfield three. Swansea’s number four could now seek a new challenge with Argyle as the Pilgirms look to return to the second tier instantly. 13 starts in 31 league appearances, with the Scot’s only goal ironically being scored against Plymouth, still offered a decent amount of game time.
Importantly, Plymouth would be acquiring a player with an impressive tackling ability from midfield and a huge presence in defensive actions. Fulton was in the 94th percentile of tackles won for similar midfielders last season, with a 76.2% success rate when involved. The former Falkirk academy graduate was also only dribbled past 0.35 times per 90.
Emphasis On Experience
The 32-year-old has registered 19 Premier League appearances too, albeit the last of which came in Swansea’s 2017/18 relegation campaign. An understanding of the higher leagues in English football could massively improve Plymouth’s hopes and ambitions heading into next campaign with this signing.
Writer’s View
A poetic redemption could be on the cards if Fulton were to sign for the South Coast outfit. Plymouth hit a remarkable spell of form towards the season’s culmination, relegated by merely three points after being written of for the majority of the campaign. The midfielder’s only goal came in that 2-1 win over the Pilgrims and may have had bigger implications on their season’s points tally than initially realised.
With Erhahon looking more likely to join City now, Plymouth could find themselves with a perfect move. Fulton would be the epicentre of a title-pushing midfield and would offer an incomprehensible amount of talent in League One when considering his seven consecutive years in the second division prior to this potential move.
