Plymouth Argyle tipped for transfer disappointment – claim made on Leeds United demands.

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Darko Gyabi, a Leeds United midfielder, is expected to move on loan to a Championship club next season rather than returning to League One-bound Plymouth Argyle after spending the majority of the last 18 months at Home Park.

Argyle were relegated from the second-tier on the final day of the season earlier this month. They are now preparing for life back in League One, with significant incomings and outgoings expected this summer.

Gyabi’s return to parent club Leeds is an enforced exit, but he is likely to leave Elland Road on loan again in the coming months as the Whites plan to spend heavily to maintain their Premier League status after promotion.

Many Greens fans would undoubtedly like to see the 21-year-old midfielder return to Home Park, but he demonstrated clear Championship credentials last season, so a return to the Devon club appears unlikely.

Argyle fan pundit issues a’realistic’ verdict on Darko Gyabi’s summer return

Gyabi first joined Plymouth in January 2024 on loan from Leeds until the end of the season. He only made ten appearances for the club before suffering a season-ending injury, and his spell was cut short in March when he returned to Elland Road.

The London-born midfielder clearly caught the eye during his brief spell at the club, so he returned to Argyle on a season-long loan last July, hoping to complete a full season and impress over a longer period of time in the second tier.

He appeared in 48 games across all competitions this season, scoring one goal and assisting twice while playing defensive, central, and attacking midfield at various points. Gyabi, however, was unable to help the Pilgrims stay in the Championship and will now return to Leeds, with the next step in his career unknown.

Chris, a Plymouth fan, believes Gyabi’s impressive performances at the club will make him a target for second-tier clubs this summer. A return to Home Park is unlikely.

“After two loan spells in the Championship down here in Plymouth, Darko Gyabi slowly became a fan-favourite amongst many,” Chris told the BBC.

“Overall, he was one of the more consistent players in central midfield last season, often partnering Adam Randell.

“There were times when he demonstrated magic, as well as moments when he struggled with his form.

“However, many fans stuck with him, and he proved to be a valuable asset in our efforts to remain in the Championship.

“He was on loan to us for the first season, but due to injuries, he did not make much of an impact. He seemed eager to return to complete his business with Argyle.

“Now that Leeds United has been promoted to the Premier League, there is a chance he will be loaned out to another Championship club or, more likely, signed permanently away from Leeds.

“They may want to focus on looking at Premier League quality players to help their chances in the Premier League.

“With that, there is a possibility, and many rumours suggest that Argyle will make a significant bid to secure the services of Darko Gyabi.”

“However, in realistic terms, I don’t think this will happen. Gyabi has demonstrated Championship ability, and I believe he will want to continue his career as such.

“Additionally, the transfer fee that Leeds United would demand would most likely be significantly higher than what we could afford.

“I believe he will earn a place in the Championship with another club. However, it would be great to see him play in green again.”

 

Gyabi enjoyed his time at Plymouth, but a summer return remains unlikely.

Gyabi spent nearly 18 months at Argyle over two spells, and despite the club’s generally poor overall form and the fact that he played under three different managers (Ian Foster, Wayne Rooney, and Miron Muslic), he remained relatively consistent in the middle of the park.

Despite the club’s turbulent times, the 21-year-old admitted last month that he enjoyed his time with the Greens, raising hopes among supporters that he will return to Home Park for a third loan spell next season.

“I’ll probably think about it (his time at Argyle) more after the season is over, when we don’t have games to focus on, but it’s been really good. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” he told Plymouth Live.

“I think Plymouth Argyle has been fantastic for me personally. Being around the club gives me a strong sense of family, a close-knit family.

“The players, the staff, and everyone coming together on a daily basis, being around each and every person whether things are going well or not, I feel like there is always a sense of positivity and energy that I have really enjoyed.

“It has helped me develop as a young person, both on and off the pitch. I believe there are many positive developments at this football club, and God willing, they will continue, because I believe there is an incredible atmosphere here.”

Gyabi values his time at Argyle, as it was his first experience in senior football after only five games for Leeds.

Having said that, emotions frequently have to be removed from major decisions, such as those that the Whites and Gyabi will face this summer. At this point in his career, with his current ability and potential, it only makes sense for him to continue playing in the Championship in 2025/26.

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