'Bigger worry' raised for Plymouth Argyle as Lorent Tolaj exits for Bristol City | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle have been praised for their handling over the transfer deal for Lorent Tolaj to leave and join Bristol City...

Plymouth Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj is headed to Bristol City, with Michael Skubala's side winning the race ahead of a host of other clubs in the race for his signature.

The 24-year-old is a product of Brighton & Hove Albion's academy but he has developed well with Aldershot Town, Port Vale, and Plymouth Argyle in recent years and moved up the leagues in the process.

Bristol City are beating Derby County and Sheffield United to Tolaj, with the striker set to move to Ashton Gate imminently. A £4 million move for Tolaj has been agreed between Bristol City and Plymouth in the last week.

An exit was always likely, with 21 goals and eight assists in 35 games for the Pilgrims underlining that he is simply too good for the third tier. Only three players surpassed his 18 league goals in League One in 2025/26, with the Championship beckoning.

The Plymouth Argyle verdict on Lorent Tolaj joining Bristol City

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FLW's Argyle fan pundit Luke Hodge was asked for his thoughts on the fact Bristol City are in advanced talks to sign the prolific Plymouth striker. City are offering around £4million plus add-ons and hope to wrap up the deal imminently, with Luke providing his immediate thoughts and reaction to this news and whether it is a big blow.

He replied: "While it's disappointing to potentially lose Lorent Tolaj, it's not a huge surprise for most Argyle fans.

"We've long expected him to move on this summer. From the moment he arrived, he always looked like a temporary loan-style signing. Not because of any lack of commitment, but simply because he was too good for this level and rapidly improving every single game.

"Now £4 million plus add-ons is a strong return on a player we signed for significantly less just under a year ago. The inclusion of a sell-on clause is also crucial, as it safeguards the club's interests should he continue his upward trajectory at a higher level.

"Naturally, we can reject the offer. But there is no realistic prospect of keeping a player of Tolaj's calibre against his will. On balance, this feels like a fair and sensible deal for everyone involved.

"That said, the bigger worry is the very distinct possibility of losing Bim Pepple. His release clause appears likely to be met. Losing both of last season's star strikers would undoubtedly be a setback.

"But I'm not pointing the finger at the club. We're likely to make big money on both players and we aren't in a financial or squad-building position to retain them if they want to move on."

Plymouth Argyle's transfer plans after Lorent Tolaj

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On what this now means next for Plymouth, with signings needed, Luke added: "The priority now must be for the club to move swiftly in the transfer market.

"It's important that we replace at least one striker. But, for me, the absolute priority is securing Alex Mitchell due to his huge importance to the way we play.

"A quality winger would also freshen up the attacking options. Thankfully, though, this double departure has been the likely scenario throughout the second half of last season, giving the club plenty of time to scout and prepare targets.

"We still have a strong core to the squad. With a few well-judged additions, we can go again and look forward to the new campaign with optimism."