Plymouth Argyle sent clear transfer warning after Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu exits | OneFootball

FLW's Argyle expert has detailed his worst case scenario this summer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

With a new manager at the helm, key departures confirmed, and takeover talk swirling around Home Park, Plymouth Argyle are entering a critical summer.

The club's swift return to League One after a challenging Championship campaign has triggered a period of transformation - one that must be navigated with precision if the Pilgrims are to bounce back stronger.

The exit of Ryan Hardie to Wrexham and confirmation from Mustapha Bundu’s agent that he will not return to Home Park have only intensified the pressure.

With influential figures moving on and the attacking line effectively dismantled, this window represents not just a rebuild, but a reset that could shape the club’s immediate and long-term future.

Transfer concerns mount for Plymouth Argyle after Hardie and Bundu departures

In an off-season of change for the Pilgrims, Football League World asked resident Argyle expert Luke Hodge on what could be the worst case scenario on the South Coast this summer transfer window.

“The biggest nightmare scenario for Argyle this summer transfer window would be not signing a couple of recognised strikers.” Hodge told FLW.

“We’ve lost Ryan Hardie to Wrexham, Mustapha Bundu hasn’t renewed his contract and I think they scored 23 goals between them last year.

“The next after that was Andre Gray and Ibrahim Cissoko with three goals each, so none of those players are at Argyle anymore, Adam Randell’s gone.”

“So it’s a complete rebuild, a complete reset, and we are literally nearing sort of middle-end of June and we only have one young lad at the club in Joe Hatch who’s a recognised striker.

“So I’m pretty sure Foxy [Head of Football Operations David Fox] and Tom Cleverley at the club will be working really hard to get a couple of strikers through the door as soon as possible.”

Decisive action now key as Plymouth Argyle prepare for life in League One

It’s clear that the departure of experienced forwards has left a glaring hole in Argyle's attacking options - one that cannot be papered over with youth prospects alone.

While Cleverley’s arrival has sparked optimism around a new playing style and renewed energy, those ideas must be underpinned by substance in the squad.

Replacing goals is notoriously difficult, particularly in a competitive League One landscape where many clubs have already begun strengthening early.

While Argyle supporters have reason to be intrigued by the club's new direction, the margin for error this summer is slim.

A failure to secure proven attacking reinforcements would leave the side dangerously short of firepower, undermining their promotion ambitions before a ball is even kicked.

With Hardie and Bundu gone - and others potentially following - recruitment decisions over the coming weeks may well define not just Plymouth’s 2025/26 campaign, but the trajectory of their rebuild.