UPDATE: Plymouth Argyle is urgently pursuing a deal to sign Everton defender Reece Welch, as the club fights to escape the League One relegation zone. The move comes shortly after Sheffield Wednesday expressed interest in the 22-year-old, intensifying the race for his signature this January.
Plymouth’s need for reinforcements is critical following a difficult season, having been relegated from the Championship last year. The Pilgrims recently secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Burton Albion, yet they remain precariously positioned just three points above the drop zone. With their next crucial match against Peterborough United scheduled for January 17, 2024, Plymouth is pushing to complete Welch’s signing before then.
According to Football Insider, Plymouth is actively negotiating with Everton to bring Welch to Home Park. His potential arrival is seen as vital to shoring up a defense that has already conceded 39 goals this season—just two fewer than the struggling Doncaster Rovers.
Welch has made three senior appearances for Everton this season and spent the first half of the current campaign on loan at Forest Green Rovers, bolstering his experience in the EFL. His time with the club included a loan spell in Belgium and significant contributions to Everton’s under-21s in the Premier League 2. These experiences position him as a strong candidate to help address Plymouth’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Plymouth manager Tom Cleverley, who previously played for Everton, may hold an advantage in negotiations over his former club. Additionally, Argyle’s financial standing is currently more stable than that of Sheffield Wednesday, who are still dealing with the aftermath of administration issues tied to former chairman Dejphon Chansiri.
The urgency surrounding this signing is underscored by the challenging fixtures ahead for the Pilgrims, including matches against playoff contenders Luton Town and Stockport County. With the potential for back-to-back relegations looming, the club views Welch as a crucial asset to maintain their League One status.
As the January transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Plymouth Argyle to see if they can secure the signing of Reece Welch, a move that could significantly alter their season’s trajectory. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this situation unfolds, with the club’s future hanging in the balance.
Stay tuned for further updates as Plymouth Argyle seeks to finalize this important deal and prepare for their upcoming matches.
