Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley has made it clear that securing a new centre forward has become the club’s immediate priority this January.

The injury suffered by in-form frontman Owen Oseni during the festive draw with Wycombe Wanderers has exacerbated the need for added firepower for the relegation-threatened Pilgrims.

The Irishman is expected to be out of action until at least the end of January with an ankle ligament injury, and with just two recognised senior strikers to choose from, in the shape of Lorent Tolaj and Aribim Pepple, The Devon outfit are now actively searching for further support for the pair, as they look to stave off the very real prospect of back-to-back relegations.

Plymouth Argyle Open To Loan Solution

Tom Cleverley has admitted to the Plymouth Herald that the quickest and most cost-effective route to solving their attacking shortage could be to utilise the loan market in the coming days to support leading goalscorer Tolaj.

“It’s vital that we get it done as quickly as we can because we are asking Tolly to go at it every minute the league sends him.”

Despite Plymouth Argyle currently occupying a relegation spot in EFL League One, the potential to climb the table quickly is very real should they hit the ground running in 2026.

With just three points separating 21st-placed Argyle from 13th, the challenge of a move to Home Park for the second half of the season could be an attractive proposition for prospective centre-forwards.

Tom Cleverley Sees Progress In The 4-4-2 Formation

While performances over Christmas may not have brought about a much-needed sequence of victories for the Green Army, the adoption of a settled 4-4-2 setup has established a modicum of stability over the festive period.

It was not a perfect run though, the exception being the 4-1 Boxing Day defeat to Reading, a match that saw Joe Ralls sent off after just 13 minutes. That reality check against the Royals ended a run of three straight league wins and a vast improvement in defensive fortunes.

Successive 1-1 draws at home to Wycombe Wanderers and away to Stevenage have ensured Argyle keep touch with the safety line. In his own view, the two-striker formation has allowed Cleverley’s side to carry a more prolonged attacking threat without compromising their defensive structure.

In a bid to maintain this self-proclaimed remedy for his poor start in Devon, the former Watford head coach wants more forward options so that he can give respite to the currently very busy Tolaj and Pepple.

“I think we look a lot more dangerous with the two strikers, but we have got no one to come on and replace them at the minute.”

Which Striker Profile Will Best Compliment Plymouth Argyle Currently?

While a clear emphasis has been placed on speed regarding a deal being struck, it’s important that the Argyle recruitment secures the right man.

The relegation fight in League One promises to be fierce, and the margin for error for all clubs involved appears smaller by the week.

The raw speed and intricate runs in behind opposing defences that Swiss striker Tolaj possesses strongly suggest that a powerful and aerially astute frontman would be an ideal fit for this current Argyle setup.

Not only could the 24-year-old, as well as Bim Pepple, thrive off well-timed flick-ons, but a focal point in attack would provide an alternative and more direct route to goal when the team desperately need a goal.

While the immediate focus will surely be on ensuring survival, the scope for loftier ambitions higher up the table could also still be within the realms of possibility for Argyle.

The chance to become an instant hero at Home Park by rescuing a so far below par season should be an attractive incentive for many strikers looking for their next challenge.