Why the January transfer window will be detrimental for Plymouth Argyle…

The departure of Steven Schumacher and Finn Azaz from Plymouth Argyle during the January transfer window had significant repercussions for the team’s performance and morale. Schumacher’s exit as manager and Azaz’s move to Middlesbrough left a void in the squad, particularly in midfield creativity and connectivity between midfield and attack.

Finn Azaz made a notable impact during his time with Plymouth, forming strong partnerships with players like Morgan Whittaker and Ryan Hardie. His ability to contribute both goals and assists elevated the team’s performance in League One and the Championship. Azaz’s departure to Middlesbrough, following an impressive loan spell from Aston Villa, left Plymouth struggling to replicate his influence on the pitch.

Azaz’s statistics speak volumes about his contributions to Plymouth’s success, with notable performances in both League One and the Championship. His departure, along with Schumacher’s, disrupted the team’s momentum and cohesion, as other loan players returned to their parent clubs.

Despite efforts to fill the void left by Azaz, including loan signings from Tottenham Hotspur, such as Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine, Plymouth has struggled to find a suitable replacement. Devine, in particular, showed initial promise but failed to maintain consistent performance levels, ultimately leading to disappointment among the fans and management.

The absence of Azaz’s creativity and connection between midfield and attack has been evident in Plymouth’s performances, with players like Whittaker and Hardie unable to replicate their previous effectiveness without him. As the team looks ahead to the summer transfer window, finding a player capable of harmonizing with Whittaker and Hardie, similar to Azaz, remains a top priority for Plymouth Argyle.