Plymouth Argyle must exploit Cardiff transfer situation after Bristol City blow | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle should be eyeing a transfer involving Cardiff City after Bristol City dealt them a blow in the market...

Plymouth Argyle face another pivotal summer after falling short in their bid to secure an immediate return to the Championship alongside Cardiff City, with the Bluebirds promoted alongside Lincoln City and Bolton Wanderers.

Having assembled a squad capable of challenging near the top of League One, the Pilgrims ultimately came up just short of a play-off berth on the final day of the League One season, leaving Tom Cleverley with the task of going again in what promises to be another fiercely competitive campaign.

Missing out on promotion has inevitably come at a cost. Clubs in the division above have been able to tempt some of their standout performers away, with Lorent Tolaj's move from Plymouth Argyle to Bristol City representing a particularly significant blow. Replacing his goals and all-round contribution will be one of the club's biggest priorities before the summer transfer window closes.

The challenge is made even greater by the uncertainty surrounding Bim Pepple's future. Should he also depart Home Park, Plymouth could find themselves needing to recruit more than one striker capable of leading the line in a side expected to challenge for the play-offs once again.

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Interestingly, while Bristol City have strengthened with Tolaj following their survival in the Championship, Cardiff City are preparing for life back in the second tier after earning promotion from League One. That could present Plymouth with an opportunity to capitalise on a player whose future now appears far from certain.

Having started just 14 of the 47 games he played a part in last season, Callum Robinson could be exactly the sort of signing Argyle should explore. The experienced forward has slipped down the pecking order at Cardiff and now has just one year remaining on his contract, making this a logical point for the Bluebirds to consider cashing in if he is not expected to feature prominently.

Although Robinson is no longer at the peak of his career, there is little doubt he still possesses the attributes to thrive at the top end of League One. His intelligent movement and proven eye for goal would provide Plymouth with a ready-made replacement for much of what they have lost through Tolaj's departure.

The 31-year-old still scored 10 and assisted three in just under 1600 minutes last term. However, perhaps just as importantly as being a reliable source of output, Robinson would arrive to Home Park with a wealth of experience.

Having spent years operating in the Championship and at international level with the Republic of Ireland, he understands the demands of high-pressure matches and promotion races. That know-how could prove to be invaluable for a Plymouth squad aiming to finally get over the line.

Robinson has contributed to 97 goals and assists in 272 Championship appearances, with a further 19 in 66 games in League One. He can operate deeper than the number nine role, but Plymouth would benefit from utilising him in a similar way to Cardiff last season.

Importantly, financially, the deal also appears achievable. Given Robinson's age, contract situation, and reduced role at Cardiff, the transfer fee is unlikely to be prohibitive. Plymouth would still need to put together a competitive wage package, but they should be able to secure an experienced goalscorer without paying a premium.

For a club needing to replace the proven attacking output of Tolaj — and possibly Pepple — while maintaining realistic spending, Robinson is a sensible target on paper. Cardiff's promotion has altered the picture for several players on the fringes of their squad, which is why Plymouth should look to take advantage.

If Cleverley wants an experienced striker capable of making an immediate impact, Robinson could be one of the smartest opportunities available this summer. The current model at Plymouth under Simon Hallett looks more at younger players and market opportunities, but this could be a deal to benefit in the short-term by boosting their promotion hopes immensely.