Plymouth Argyle already have their replacements for Stoke City, Steven Schumacher target: View | OneFootball

Argyle have new man Nathanael Ogbeta and youngster Saxon Earley as possible replacements for Stoke-linked Mickel Miller

Highlights

Plymouth Argyle are facing a key summer transfer window under new boss Wayne Rooney as he aims to shape his squad ahead of a huge 2024/25 Championship campaign.

Rooney was appointed Argyle boss on May 25, so did not get a say in his new club's retained list published on May 10 ahead of the summer, as Callum Burton, Jack Endacott, and Oscar Halls all left the club.

The Pilgrims have offered defenders Brendan Galloway and Mickel Miller new deals, with the former accepting revised terms on May 31, but the latter reportedly seeing his contract talks break down, thus alerting Championship clubs to his possible availability on a free transfer.

Stoke City have been linked with a move for Miller, with former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher now at the helm at the bet365 Stadium, but Plymouth look to have already found their replacements for the left wing-back if he does make the move to the Potteries this summer.

Nathanael Ogbeta signed for Rooney's side on May 30 and would be a ready-made successor for Miller in that position if he leaves, while they also have highly-rated youngster Saxon Earley who can play there, so there should not be too much concern over Miller's departure if it does happen.

Ogbeta is a ready-made replacement for Miller

Salford-born Ogbeta joined Manchester City at the age of ten, and was always a highly-regarded talent for his age group, as shown by his constant inclusion in England youth squads at U15, U16, U17 and U18 level.

He left his boyhood club in January 2021 without making a senior appearance and joined League One Shrewsbury Town, impressing in his first steps in professional football with the Shrews as he was named their Young Player of the Year in his debut season despite only joining halfway through.

He was soon signed by Swansea City on a two-and-a-half year contract in January 2022 for a reported fee of £300,000, but played just 53 minutes in his first half-season amid hamstring issues, and looked destined to leave that same summer after reportedly being told he was not a part of Russell Martin's first-team plans.

Ogbeta stayed with Swansea but could not force himself into Martin's thoughts, yet impressed on loan at Peterborough United in 2022/23 and Bolton Wanderers last season - registering two goals and four assists for Ian Evatt's side as they reached the play-off final.

He is set to officially leave Swansea upon the expiry of his contract this summer, and Argyle have moved quickly to acquire his services ahead of next season after his strong showings in League One with the Trotters.

Ogbeta's signing may have been a masterstroke of planning by the Pilgrims - he can come in and replace Miller's profile at left wing-back with ease and is also five years younger, so has a higher chance of bringing in potential profit in the future if he plays well.

Plymouth also have highly-rated 21-year-old full-back Earley, who was loaned out to League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers at the end of the January transfer window to get some game time after recovering from a torn ligament, but suffered a similar injury before being able to play for the Chairboys and is set to be out until July.

Earley's two major setbacks followed a breakout 2022/23 season, where he impressed on loan at League Two Stevenage before returning to Home Park in the winter to help Plymouth win League One.

He was adjudged to be ready for second-tier action by former boss Schumacher last year as he played 90 minutes in two of Plymouth's first three games of the season, so will surely be offered the opportunity to fight for a place in the squad again by Rooney, when fit.

Mickel Miller contract and transfer latest

Miller is still yet to sign the contract being offered to him by Argyle, and it seems more likely that he will be on the move this summer with every passing week.

TeamTalk have reported that Stoke are weighing up a move for Miller, as Schumacher seeks a reunion with the wideman after leaving Argyle last December.

The 40-year-old seemingly remains a big fan of the former Rotherham defender, and Stoke are set to be in the market for a new left-back to compete with Enda Stevens, so a deal seems likely on the face of it.

Prior to Stoke's reported interest, Football Insider revealed that Portsmouth, Preston, and Oxford United had each registered their interest in signing Miller this summer.

With everything considered, it seems unlikely that he sticks around at Argyle for the new season, but he may be persuaded by new boss Rooney if he ensures him that his place in the starting XI is safe.

Argyle need not worry if he does leave, though, as they already have their replacement in Ogbeta, and Earley has shown signs of promise that definitely offer encouragement for the future.