Head coach Tom Cleverley has spoken about the Pilgrims’ plans for the rest of the January transfer window
14:28, 22 Jan 2026Updated 15:42, 22 Jan 2026
Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley during the League One game against Peterborough United at the Weston Homes Stadium on January 17, 2026 – PHOTO: Steve Flynn/PPAUK(Image: )
The priority for Plymouth Argyle over the rest of the January transfer window is to bring in another centre-back but it is ‘very unlikely’ that will happen before the League One game against Luton Town at Home Park on Saturday.
Head coach Tom Cleverley confirmed that was the case as he gave an update on the Pilgrims’ attempts to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline on February 2.
Argyle have made one signing this month, with Ronan Curtis arriving from Port Vale for an undisclosed fee, while Bali Mumba left Huddersfield Town for a transfer fee in the region of £1 million.
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With Julio Pleguezuelo sidelined by a calf injury and Brendan Galloway putting in some impressive recent performances as a stand-in left-back, Cleverley’s current centre-back options are limited to Alex Mitchell and Mathias Ross.
Cleverley said: “We all know that the centre-back position is one we are just too short in depth in so we are working extremely hard to try and correct that.
“It’s progressing, but these things are tough to do we know. We have got the scope to do one more and we will leave that option open.
“We might have an injury, we might have an issue crop up, in terms of where we need a little bit more of something. We will keep that option open right until the end, may not even do it if we feel like the balance of the team looks good.”
On when he hoped to have a new defender signed by, Cleverley said: “I don’t like to put timescales on these. I have made that mistake one too many times.
“We are working extremely hard. With a three-game week next week, it’s important we try and move as quick as possible.”
Argyle have had improved results recently, winning five and drawing two of their last eight games in all competitions, and Cleverley was asked whether had taken some of the pressure off squad strengthening in the transfer window.
He replied: “If we had won every game until now I would be looking at ‘How can I improve it, how can I get it better, how can we progress?’
“So we are not getting complacent by our run of form, you can see that the way the guys are training. They are hungry, they are humble.
“Naturally, you do think ‘I don’t need to strengthen here’ or would we be wasting money by bringing in something we simply don’t need? We will keep our options open, centre-back priority.”
Argyle midfielder Caleb Roberts on the ball during the Carabao Cup second round tie against Swansea City at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (PHOTO: Geraint Nicholas/PPAUK)(Image: )
Cleverley also addressed the situations surrounding Argyle academy products Freddie Issaka and Caleb Roberts, who have had very limited game-time this season.
Issaka recently returned from a loan spell at League Two side Bristol Rovers and after playing for them and the Pilgrims this season the rules do not allow him to join another EFL club for the rest of the season.
Cleverley said: “He’s going to stay with us I think this window. You can do non-league loans after the window has shut. We will have a look at Freddie.
“At the minute he needs to progress and develop, and do a little bit more to be in the matchday squads. It’s a strong area of the pitch now with plenty of quality, but he has got the right attitude to do that and we look forward to developing him.”
The Pilgrims’ boss added: “I think it’s important Freddie plays some football. Obviously the player is involved in that decision-making process as well.
“All we can do is offer the best advice. It’s not us saying ‘Freddie has come back in, let’s get him out straight away’. Let’s see his development, or areas of his game we can help him with and then pick the right career path for him.”
Roberts has played 12 games for Argyle this season, starting six of them, but his last match was the 1-0 Vertu Trophy win away to Leyton Orient on December 2 but a loan move for him this month might not be on the cards.
Cleverley said: “At the minute I wouldn’t be too keen unless it was the absolute right loan move for Caleb. We have only got three central midfielders so I certainly won’t be forcing Caleb out the door.
“If it was right for his development and it worked for everyone then I think he could do with some football. But, likewise, he’s one injury away from being an important member of the squad and the door is always open for anyone to get themselves in the team.”
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