Celtic plot Plymouth Argyle deals for 'sharp finisher' and 'exceptional' star - 'huge' Pilgrims blow looms | OneFootball

FLW's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit Luke Hodge weighs in on reports suggesting Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple are on Celtic's radar.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

The red-hot form of Plymouth Argyle strike duo Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple has seen interest emerge from Scottish giants Celtic ahead of the summer transfer window.

It's been a rollercoaster of a season for the Pilgrims, who spent many weeks languishing towards the bottom of League One. Fan sentiment was at a low point, with the worry of back-to-back relegations hanging over Home Park.

However, it's been a totally different story since the turn of the year, and Tom Cleverley's side are absolutely flying, winning six of their ten league games so far in 2026.

Much of this recent success has been down to the stunning form of Argyle's new strike duo of Tolaj and Pepple, who've set League One alight in recent weeks, particularly in Saturday's 5-2 victory over league leaders Cardiff City.

As expected, the form of the Plymouth double act has clubs higher up the food chain keeping tabs ahead of the summer, and reports from The Daily Mail have suggested that Celtic lead the chase to secure their signatures.

Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple departures would be a 'huge blow' for Plymouth Argyle

Following the reports of Celtic's interest in both Tolaj and Pepple, Football League World spoke to their resident Argyle expert, Luke Hodge, to gather his immediate thoughts on the news.

Luke told us: "It would obviously be a huge blow for Argyle to lose both of those players no doubt, but their recent performances have understandably put them in the shop window.

"Out of the two for me, Lorent Tolaj looks ready for that level [Scottish Premiership]. He's got the all-round game, and crucially, he's a really sharp finisher, which is exactly what you need at a club like Celtic, that creates a high volume of chances.

'But Bim Pepple clearly has the talent and his current form is exciting, but I think it's maybe a little bit early for him. He's on a great run, yet there's still a fair bit of development to come before he's ready for that step.

"I think it's a real credit to both players that they're attracting interest from higher level clubs. That doesn't happen by accident, and is a testimony to their consistency and quality of their performances this season.

"For me, Tolaj is still the key asset at Argyle. He's the more complete number nine right now. He's strong, reliable, holds-up play, intelligent movement, relentless workrate and probably the biggest attribute is that he's got a ruthless finishing edge.

"He's a genuine difference-maker, and he's only 24, and he's going to get better and better.

"Bim Pepple though is running him very close at the moment, his form has been exceptional. What's really stood out is how his decision-making and timing in the box have caught up with his physical attributes.

"He's gone from raw potential to an impact forward within a matter of weeks, and that's exactly the profile higher level clubs look for," Luke concluded.

Keeping Tolaj a priority for Plymouth Argyle, but it hinges on unlikely promotion

Following on from his immediate reaction to the reports, we also quizzed Luke on which of the two players he'd rather keep at the club, if he was given an ultimatum.

Luke said: "If I had the luxury and had to make a choice, I'd cash in on Bim Pepple and keep Tolaj, purely because of Tolaj's all-round contribution and the way he elevates the team's play.

"That said, I'm realistic. I don't see Tolaj staying unless we get promoted this season. Strikers with his blend of power, workrate and finishing don't come round often, and I'm confident there will be a whole host of clubs in for him in the summer — top Championship sides or even European clubs.

"As much as we'd love to keep him, and he's clearly happy here, his ambition is understandable, and if the right off comes in, it might just be something that both Argyle and the player simply can't turn down.

"Our focus though is simple, it's to keep on winning, keep developing, attack that last play-off spot and make Argyle the best possible platform for our players.

"If we do that, then everything else tends to take care of itself."

Interest was always going to be rife given the form of Plymouth's two strikers, but as Luke said, they can't allow an external noise to distract them from the goal of making an unlikely play-off push.

Should the Pilgrims pull off a remarkable top-six finish, and then actually go on to win the play-offs, this would put them in fantastic stead to retain both of their star strikers, but there's a long way to go before that possibility can even be thought of.