"Muslic will be devastated" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to big Plymouth Argyle, Mustapha Bundu news | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Mustapha Bundu's imminent departure from Plymouth Argyle

Lee Hendrie believes Mustapha Bundu’s likely imminent departure from Plymouth Argyle this summer will be a big blow for Miron Muslic.

According to Plymouth Live, the 28-year-old is expected to leave the Pilgrims following their relegation from the Championship.

The player is out of contract this summer, and will be free to discuss terms with other clubs over a potential move. Argyle had offered a new contract to the former Anderlecht man in a bid to retain him for their League One campaign, though it wasn't to be, and he now reportedly has interest from clubs in the Championship and in Germany.

The forward contributed 10 goals and six assists from 37 appearances in the Championship last season, but that wasn’t enough for Plymouth as they finished 23rd in the table.

Lee Hendrie reacts to Mustapha Bundu, Plymouth Argyle exit

Hendrie has claimed that Bundu’s inevitable departure from Plymouth is a big blow for the club following their relegation.

He believes the player’s head has been turned from offers elsewhere, and that Muslic’s side will naturally lose players as a consequence of losing their Championship status.

“Yes, Muslic will be devastated,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“Obviously, he’d had a good season, I think it was inevitable that was going to happen, turning a contract down.

“And I think there’s no doubt he will have been turned from somewhere else.

“That’s probably why he’s thinking of other things.

“But, yes, massive blow for Plymouth.

“Obviously relegation on top of losing players is not really the right thing you want, but if players don’t want to be there, I’m a big believer that you let them go.”

Plymouth Argyle'ss Championship relegation

Plymouth appointed Muslic in January with the team at risk of relegation to League One.

Despite an upturn in form, the club were unable to close the gap to their rivals outside the bottom three, with the Pilgrims missing out on survival by three points.

Bundu proved a key part of their attempts to remain in the Championship, with his four goals in the final four games of the campaign in particular standing out.

He scored in victories over Preston North End, Coventry City and Portsmouth, among others, last season, but that wasn’t enough to keep the side in the second division.

Mustapha Bundu departure won’t be a surprise to Plymouth Argyle

Bundu proved a really key part of the team last season, stepping up after Morgan Whittaker was sold and becoming a consistent threat in the final third.

His versatility was also quite useful, as he was able to effectively play across the front line while remaining dangerous.

His goals at the end of the season gave the team a chance at survival but it didn’t quite work, and it’s no surprise he is now set to leave.

Someone of his calibre could well end up back in the Championship, which will be more appealing than competing in League One, even if it meant remaining with Plymouth.