Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley has confirmed that money is not an obstacle as the club works to secure a new striker before the transfer window closes.
The League One outfit are looking to reinforce their frontline following the departures of Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu earlier this summer.
Cleverley Confirms Cash Available for Key Addition
Cleverley, who took charge following relegation from the Championship, made it clear the club is in a strong position to do business. Despite growing fan concern over the lack of options up front, the 34-year-old remained calm about the situation.
“The reasons why it’s not coming off are not financial,” Cleverley told BBC Sport. “The clubs seem to be 99% there and then you take a backward step, but that’s all part of negotiating.”
Patience as Talks Drag On
Argyle were forced to field midfielder Caleb Watts as a makeshift striker in their 3–1 defeat to Barnsley on the opening day, with Bim Pepple injured and Owen Oseni still unproven at senior level. Watts managed to score in an unfamiliar role, but Cleverley confirmed the club is focused on bringing in a specialist forward as soon as possible.
“The finer details are taking a bit of time,” he said. “But it’s got to be the right one. There’s no point bringing someone in just to settle nerves. We need a striker who fits our style and will be a long-term asset.”
Cleverley also dismissed any suggestion of a rushed move or compromise deal.
“It’s the marquee position in a team, and it’s where fans want to see quality. We’ve identified our target and I rate him highly. That’s maybe why it’s taken a little longer.”
Argyle Staying Ambitious in the Market
The former Manchester United and England midfielder’s comments reflect a club still willing to back its new head coach despite the drop to the third tier. Cleverley’s message was clear: the resources are in place, but getting the right deal over the line takes time.
He added: “We wish it had happened six weeks ago, but there’s a lot of cat and mouse in negotiations. It’s not as simple as shaking hands and getting it done.”
With the Pilgrims facing pressure to bounce back quickly from relegation, the arrival of an experienced goalscorer could prove decisive in shaping their League One campaign.
Writer’s View
Tom Cleverley’s assertion that finances are not holding Plymouth back is encouraging for supporters, but the club now needs to follow through. With patience wearing thin and limited attacking depth, the spotlight will remain on Home Park until a deal is confirmed. If Argyle can land their top target, the drawn-out process will be justified, but time is running out, and Cleverley knows it.
