Plymouth Argyle have reinstated midfielder Ayman Benarous to their League One squad just a week after he was left out of the club’s registered list.
The 22-year-old was initially omitted following the deadline-day arrivals of Wes Harding and Herbie Kane, a decision that left his short-term future uncertain and prompted the club to explore the possibility of a loan move to non-league football.
However, circumstances have shifted quickly at Home Park. Defender Kornel Szucs completed a move to Serbian top-flight side FK Vojvodina for an undisclosed fee on Friday, creating space within Argyle’s 22-man squad of over-21 players eligible to compete in League One for the remainder of the campaign. As a result, Benarous has now been re-registered.
The midfielder has not featured since being withdrawn at half-time during the Boxing Day defeat to Reading. That appearance remains his most recent outing for Argyle, and he has struggled to establish himself since making the summer switch from Bristol City.
Summer Arrival Seeking Fresh Start
Benarous joined Argyle on 8 July 2025 on a one-year deal after being released by Bristol City. A product of the Robins’ academy since the age of six, he signed his first professional contract in February 2021 and made his Championship debut later that year in a 2-1 win against Barnsley. He went on to make 11 league appearances for Bristol City, as well as featuring in both domestic cup competitions, before his departure in the summer.
Since arriving at Argyle, Benarous has made 10 League One appearances this season, along with outings in cup competitions, but has yet to register a goal. His opportunities have been limited in recent weeks, culminating in his temporary removal from the squad list before this latest development.
The reshuffle comes at a testing time for head coach Tom Cleverley, who confirmed this week that midfielder Joe Ralls and defender Brendan Galloway have both undergone surgery. Ralls has required an operation on a hamstring injury that will rule him out for the remainder of the season, while Galloway is expected to miss approximately four weeks as he recovers from a hernia procedure.
Those setbacks have reduced Argyle’s options in key areas of the pitch, increasing the likelihood that Benarous will now be called upon to contribute during the run-in.
No big turnaround, just practicality
From the outside, Benarous’s reinstatement appears less a dramatic turnaround and more a pragmatic response to shifting circumstances.
With injuries mounting and departures thinning the ranks, depth has become essential, and Argyle may yet find that a player once surplus to requirements has a part to play before the season concludes.