Why Bali Mumba must be weighing up big Plymouth Argyle exit decision | OneFootball

Bali Mumba could look to leave Plymouth Argyle if their struggles worsen

Despite an off-season of vast change, the League One campaign couldn't have got off to a worse start for Plymouth Argyle and Tom Cleverley.

Although the Pilgrims have hardly been investing to the same tune as the likes of Huddersfield Town and Luton Town, many predicted the Devon outfit to at least be competitive for a play-off spot under the former Watford boss after being relegated from the Championship.

However, after the first four third-tier encounters have now concluded, Argyle are one of three sides to have lost all of their matches, suffering defeats to Barnsley, Bolton Wanderers, Lincoln City and, most recently, last season's play-off finalists, Leyton Orient at Home Park on Tuesday night.

A plethora of key and high-profile names, such as Ryan Hardie, Rami Al Hajj, Mustapha Bundu and Makysm Talovierov, have all departed since the end of last season. As a result, Argyle supporters could have somewhat forgiven the new head coach if his side had accrued a reasonable point total early on, as long as there were signs that they have the minerals to push on later in the season.

However, with no signs of that evidence thus far, it has left supporters increasingly frustrated with the board, meaning one of the club's remaining prized assets could be weighing up his own options given prior transfer links to clubs further up the food chain.

Bali Mumba's prior Plymouth Argyle form led to strong transfer interest

Bali Mumba has become a fan's favourite with the Green Army over time, as well as an extremely useful weapon for the array of head coaches and managers he has worked under due to his strong versatility.

The former Norwich City man excelled on loan during Argyle's League One title-winning campaign of 2022/23, winning the division's Young Player of the Season award after accumulating six goals and seven assists, before continuing to blossom in the Championship after the club equalled their transfer record to prize him permanently away from the Carrow Road outfit.

Despite failing to hit similar heights in terms of goal contributions during last season's relegation campaign, Mumba remained one of the club's most consistent performers under Wayne Rooney and Miron Muslic, and was even linked with a potential move to eventual champions, Leeds United, showcasing the high-end Championship potential the 23-year-old can still fulfil in the years to come.

Plymouth Argyle and Bali Mumba may have different ambitions as the season continues

In an ideal world, Cleverley would have foreseen Mumba as a star performer able to play a key role in Argyle mounting an immediate promotion bid, something which is yet to get off the ground after a disastrous start.

It looks like the remainder of the season could all be about transitioning for the Greens, a scenario which Mumba, alongside several supporters, will believe he is too good for, which could turn heads, meaning he could look to push for a transfer exit before it is too late.

Although it would be another cause of frustration to lose such a top talent, the crumb of comfort on offer to the Plymouth hierarchy in this instance is that the defender is under contract in Devon until 2027, meaning they still hold significant bargaining power, with Capology also ESTIMATING that he takes home a salary of £15,000 per week.

If a sufficient offer was to be placed in the latter days of the window, it would surely be considered by the board, although this course of action would only likely be accepted in the best possible way by supporters if the club were to reinvest the funds on top of what they have already accumulated for several key players no longer at Home Park.