Plymouth Argyle news: £1.7m exit confirmed, Wiredu snub shocks rivals, ex-Bristol City talent signed | OneFootball

FLW rounds up all the latest news coming out of Home Park.

Plymouth Argyle are ushering in a new chapter under recently appointed head coach Tom Cleverley, following the departure of Miron Muslic and last season’s relegation from the Championship.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Argyle are wasting no time reshaping the squad for a League One promotion push.

Nine signings have already been confirmed at the time of writing, with a mix of emerging prospects and proven performers arriving at Home Park. Here’s the latest.

Ayman Benarous earns Argyle lifeline after Bristol City exit

Argyle have secured the services of midfielder Ayman Benarous on a one-year deal following a successful trial period.

The 21-year-old - who was recently released by Bristol City - has impressed Tom Cleverley’s coaching staff during a week of training with the first-team.

Benarous, a product of the Robins’ academy, made 11 senior appearances before his progress was stalled by two long-term injuries.

Now back to full fitness, he joins the Pilgrims with the backing of Cleverley, who has praised the youngster’s potential.

“Ayman is a young player with brilliant potential and has impressed us all since he came in,” said the head coach.

“He’s shown everyone here the talent he has at his disposal.”

Cleverley also confirmed that Benarous had received interest from multiple clubs but chose Argyle for the next stage of his career.

Pilgrims goalkeeper Conor Hazard has travelled with the squad to their pre-season training camp in Austria as he continues rehabilitation from a knee ligament injury sustained on international duty last month.

Hazard was initially seen wearing a brace on his right knee in footage shared by the club on arrival in Austria, prompting concern over his short-term availability.

However, a more encouraging update followed on Tuesday morning, as new video content posted by Argyle showed Hazard without the brace and taking part in gym work, including weightlifting, while the rest of the squad trained on the pitch.

Head coach Tom Cleverley confirmed last month that the aim is for Hazard to be fit for the start of the League One season, and possibly even available for the final pre-season friendly against Bristol City on July 26 at Home Park.

Brendan Wiredu snubs fellow League One competitors for Home Park move

In another statement of intent, Plymouth have beaten League One rivals Rotherham United to the signing of Fleetwood Town captain Brendan Wiredu.

The 25-year-old midfielder becomes Argyle’s latest addition in what is becoming a transformative summer window.

The Millers reportedly had a £300,000 bid for Wiredu turned down last month, which opened the door for Argyle to swoop in and match the valuation.

Wiredu’s leadership qualities and Championship-level potential are seen as key assets for the club’s ambitions this season.

The midfielder’s arrival adds further depth to an already-revamped squad, joining recent signings Ayman Benarous, Bim Pepple from Luton Town, Owen Oseni from St Mirren, Jack MacKenzie from Aberdeen, Xavier Amaechi from FC Magdeburg, Jamie Paterson from Coventry City, Caleb Watts from rivals Exeter City, and Bradley Ibrahim earlier in the off season from Hertha BSC.

Talovierov exit balances the books after record deal

Club-record signing Maksym Talovierov has left Argyle just five months after his arrival, joining Championship side Stoke City in a move that sees the club recoup their entire £1.7 million outlay.

Signed from Austrian side LASK in January, Talovierov made 13 appearances for the Pilgrims and scored during their memorable FA Cup tie against Manchester City.

However, following relegation and a change in management, the Ukraine international was anticipated to move on.

“We expect Maxi to complete his move away from the club,” Cleverley commented.

The deal includes a sell-on clause, giving Argyle potential future profits should the defender make another move from the bet365 Stadium.