BREAKING: Plymouth Argyle is urgently pursuing a transfer for Everton defender Reece Welch this January, amidst growing interest from Sheffield Wednesday. The Pilgrims are in desperate need of reinforcements to avoid another relegation after last season’s drop from the Championship.
Officials confirm that Argyle is actively working on a deal to secure Welch, who has made three senior appearances for the Toffees. This transfer becomes even more pressing as Plymouth currently sits just three points above the League One relegation zone, following a recent 3-0 victory over Burton Albion.
Plymouth will face Peterborough United in their next League One match on January 17, 2024, and are hoping to finalize significant signings before then. The urgency is palpable as manager Tom Cleverley aims to rectify the team’s defensive shortcomings, having conceded 39 goals this season, one of the highest in the league.
Welch, who spent the first half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Forest Green Rovers, has shown potential that could stabilize Argyle’s backline. The 22-year-old also gained valuable experience while on loan with Belgian club Deinze and has played for Everton’s under-21s in the Premier League 2.
“Cleverley’s history with Everton may give Plymouth an edge in securing Welch over Sheffield Wednesday,” an insider reports. “Plymouth’s financial situation is also more favorable, allowing them to act quickly.”
As Argyle works to finalize this deal, they are also preparing for upcoming fixtures that include challenging matches against play-off contenders like Luton Town and Stockport County. With the League One standings tightly contested, the addition of a player like Welch could be pivotal in maintaining their position in the league.
Two consecutive relegations would be catastrophic for a club that won the League One title just last season. Acquiring Welch is seen as a crucial step to ensure this does not happen, especially with the team just nine points away from play-off contention despite their current struggles.
The situation is developing, and all eyes are on Plymouth as they seek to bolster their squad and enhance their chances of climbing out of the relegation battle. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the January transfer window progresses.
