Joe Edwards & Wes Harding react to what Lorent Tolaj said after Plymouth Argyle exit | OneFootball

Lorent Tolaj has completed a move from Plymouth Argyle to Bristol City

Plymouth Argyle had a strong end to the previous League One season and will now have their sights set on a promotion battle.

Tom Cleverley’s side struggled in the first half of the campaign, but climbed the table to finish eighth, just two points adrift of the play-offs.

The Pilgrims are in their second year back in the third tier, and will want to earn their place in the Championship in 2027.

However, they will have to fight for promotion without key man Lorent Tolaj, who has made the switch to Bristol City.

The forward contributed 17 goals and eight assists from 29 appearances in League One last season.

But a deal worth £4 million plus add-ons has seen him make the step-up to the second division to join Michael Skubala at Ashton Gate.

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Tolaj has issued a farewell message to Plymouth fans following confirmation of his move to Bristol City, thanking them for their support during his time at the club.

The 24-year-old has wished the Pilgrims the best for the future, showing his appreciation for his teammates and the backing he received over the last year.

“What a year it has been,” wrote Tolaj, via Instagram.

“Thank you to my teammates, the staff, everyone at the club and especially the amazing fans for all the support from day one.

“I’m proud of everything we achieved together and I’ll always be grateful for the memories.

“Wishing everyone at Argyle nothing but success for the future.

“Thank you, Green Army.”

Tolaj’s now former teammates Wes Harding and Joe Edwards have both responded to the player’s farewell message.

The former wrote: “Lorent [clapping hands emoji], all the best bro.”

Meanwhile, Edwards replied: “Good luck mate.”

Tolaj joined Plymouth last summer from Port Vale, and went on to make a strong impression in his first campaign with the club.

But he has made the switch to Bristol City this summer, leaving Cleverley with a big gap to fill in his side before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

Plymouth will be keen to bolster their options before the market shuts, with five additions already made.

Murphy Cooper has arrived on a permanent deal from QPR after a spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in the second half of last season.

Meanwhile, Harvey White, Alex Hartridge and James Storer have all joined as free agents.

And Harding has completed a permanent move to Home Park after signing for the club on loan from Millwall last January.

Cleverley’s side will return to league action on 15 August with a home clash against Stockport County, but they could be reunited with Tolaj before then as they face the Robins in a pre-season friendly on 1 August.

Lorent Tolaj departure is a real blow for Plymouth

Plymouth’s promotion hopes rest on being able to adequately replace Tolaj, as he was a crucial part of the side last season.

Bim Pepple will have a greater responsibility to score consistently, but having two strong goal-scoring threats gave Cleverley’s side a big advantage on their rivals.

The sale of Tolaj makes sense from a financial point of view, as a £4 million deal, plus add-ons, is hard to turn down in League One.

But there is now a lot of pressure on the club to get their next moves right in the transfer market, or it could be a disappointing year ahead without the Swiss forward.