Rumours have been swirling in the last week or so, and the worst possible news has landed upon Plymouth Argyle’s doorstep. Swansea City loanee Morgan Whittaker had a sensational first half to the season and was clearly performing too well, as he is recalled to the Welsh club. What next for Argyle and Steven Schumacher?
Morgan Whittaker Departs Home Park
Forward Morgan Whittaker has been recalled by parent club @SwansOfficial.
Morgan departs with our thanks for his tremendous contribution at @homeparkstadium, and with our very best wishes for the future.#pafc
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) January 3, 2023
Just How Big a Loss Is This?
Loan players thriving and endearing themselves to the supporters is always a double-edged sword, as it has to end in heartbreak more often than not. Swansea City fans themselves will be familiar with such emotions, Ethan Laird and Rhian Brewster being two prime examples from the last few seasons.
Focusing solely on Morgan Whittaker though and it truly is a major blow to the Home Park faithful. Finn Azaz and Danny Mayor are two creative players with a lot of flair on the books, so the 21-year-old isn’t irreplaceable. That being said, not only is Azaz also a loanee but Whittaker’s versatility and work ethic made him truly unique in this superb season.
On the topic of Azaz, whose parent club is Aston Villa, he is expected to return from an ankle injury later this month. He is the most likely name to fill this Whittaker-shaped void whilst the use of a striker in that slightly deeper role will surely become more prevalent.
The facts and figures tell you all you need to know about the impact of Morgan Whittaker. He leads the team in both goals and assists with nine and seven respectively, the nearest challengers being Ryan Hardie and Niall Ennis with eight goals, plus Adam Randell and Bali Mumba with four assists.
Whittaker is averaging 0.43 goals per 90 minutes and has created 27 chances in League One to date. The latter is the joint-best alongside academy graduate Randell.
Read More: Saxon Earley Becomes the Second New Arrival at Home Park This Month
What is the Plan Regarding Morgan Whittaker?
Losing Whittaker is one thing, but his status going forward is another, making it an even harder pill to swallow. Swans manager Russell Martin and the powers that be are clearly on a very different page. The former made it clear in a press conference that if he were to return, the Derby-born star would be a long way down the pecking order.
Meanwhile, those above Martin in the hierarchy are coming at it with a financial mindset and look set to sell Morgan Whittaker. The Pilgrims would love to be in the conversation for a permanent transfer, but their official statement suggests otherwise.
“Argyle made several proposals to Swansea City, including amending the financial terms of the loan deal, as well as enquiring about a permanent transfer.”
Swansea City has recalled Morgan Whittaker from his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.
👉 https://t.co/YtZkN92NmJ pic.twitter.com/MeIPin2Xmz
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 3, 2023
Speaking to the players’ best interests and the Swansea manager, a former Norwich City defender, had the following to say. “I think his preference would be stay and play football where he’s guaranteed every week I think.”
Subsequent developments clearly show that the decision isn’t in the hands of Whittaker and maybe beyond Martin also.
Whittaker, in an Instagram story that has since been deleted, seemed to voice his displeasure and then made a further point of this in a post. Part of the caption read, “I am devastated that I could not continue here for the whole season.” This is a huge blow to both Argyle and the player himself seemingly.
