Bristol City are in advanced talks to sign Plymouth Argyle midfielder Adam Randell, according to the Football Insider.
Randell impressed in the Championship last season, despite suffering relegation with his boyhood club Argyle. The 24-year-old made 43 appearances in green last season in all competitions, registering four goals and assists in the process.
Randell is entering the final year of his contract after signing a new three-year extension in the summer of 2023.
Whilst Argyle suffered relegation to League One, Bristol City suffered play-off heartbreak, losing 6-0 on aggregate over two legs against Sheffield United.
Both Sides Under New Management
Former manager Liam Manning has moved to Championship rivals Norwich City, and have replaced him with former Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber, as the Robins look to replicate and emulate their success in the second tier last season.
Whilst Plymouth manager Miron Musilic controversially left to join 2. Bundesliga side Schalke, after a short stint in the hot seat at Home Park, and has been replaced by former Watford manager and player Tom Cleverley as they look to bounce back to the Championship.
However, the Pilgrims might have to do this without academy product Randell, who looks to be Bristol-bound for a cut-price fee with just one year remaining on his contract.
Big Loss for Plymouth Argyle’s Midfield
With new manager Cleverley previously playing in midfield, he’ll know better than anyone how important a strong midfield is in a squad, especially in a squad that will be aiming for promotion.
The 24-year-old had made 173 appearances for Argyle, 82 of which have come in the second-tier after helping the side to League One promotion in 2022/23.
Although the majority of his 173 appearances have come playing more of a defensive role in the midfield, the 24-year-old, playing 132 times in that position, has played multiple other positions for Plymouth, including centre-midfield, centre-back, and even attacking midfield on a few occasions.
His versatility, alongside his credibility, will be a big miss for the Pilgrims next season.
However, a move to Bristol City is certainly a step up, with the Robins needing a few more midfield options, after releasing Ayman Benarous and with Joe Williams’ injury record and recurring problem he had last season.
With only a year remaining on his deal also, the Robins may find they can get him for a cut-price deal, which may help them strengthen other areas.
Writer’s View
This signing completely makes sense from a Bristol City point of view. Randell is a steady Championship-quality midfielder, as he has shown in the last two seasons at Home Park.
However, for Argyle, it may be a blow, especially with the side targeting promotion; however, they have made additions in the midfield area already, which will soften the blow of losing the academy product.
