--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-24T21:00:42.095Z last_updated: 2026-07-23T15:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/plymouth-argyle/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGx5bW91dGhoZXJhbGQuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvcGx5bW91dGgtYXJneWxlLW1ha2Utc3RhdGVtZW50LWludGVudC0xMTA3MzkwOA --- # Argyle make statement of intent with Alex Mitchell transfer - **Source:** - **Published:** 23 Jul - **Club:** Plymouth Argyle - **Original URL:** https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/plymouth-argyle-make-statement-intent-11073908 The ebullient 24-year-old centre-back has signed for the Pilgrims for an undisclosed fee from Charlton Athletic after his highly successful loan spell with them last season. Head coach Tom Cleverley has never hid his admiration for Mitchell but was understandably careful what to say about a possible return to Home Park for him this summer given the fact that Mitchell was under contract at Charlton. Read More: Alex Mitchell rejoins Argyle in Charlton transfer Read More: Tom Cleverley 'learning all the time' about Michael Baidoo However, with every passing day during the pre-season, and with previous speculation surrounding interest in Mitchell from Wycombe Wanderers coming to nothing, it looked more and more likely. Almost certainly a broad agreement would have been in place between the two clubs but the £4 million-plus transfer of Tolaj will have really set the ball rolling towards a deal being completed. Getting Mitchell on board now, with three more weeks until the League One campaign begins, also gives him the chance to settle back into the club and get some game-time in the remaining pre-season matches, starting at Truro City on Saturday. Anyone expecting Argyle to spend all of the money they are receiving for Tolaj from Bristol City on new signings is going to be disappointed. Remember, the club are forecast to have had operating losses of £10.6m last season and are also committed to a player trading model of buy low and sell high. There is no doubt, though, the Tolaj transfer will have given Argyle the financial flexibility to bring back Mitchell, their 2025/26 Player of the Season on a contract until 2029. It should also allow them to make another couple of quality new signings - a replacement for Tolaj as their new number nine and possibly a wide attacking player. The return of Mitchell sends out a signal to the rest of League One that Argyle are not just there to make the numbers up and are serious about a promotion push. There is no way Mitchell, a League One promotion winner with Charlton in 2024/25, would have come back to Home Park if he did not feel there was that ambition. The Pilgrims will face strong competition from Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town and Huddersfield Town among others, but their summer transfer recruits look to be good ones on paper. With director of football Derek Adams leading the recruitment process, there has been a common theme of Argyle signing players in their mid to late 20s with plenty of League One experience. There has been new vice-captain Wes Harding (29), Alex Hartridge (27) and the trio of Murphy Cooper, Mitchell and Harvey White who are all aged 24. The one exception has been 21-year-old back-up goalkeeper James Storer, who is viewed as a player with considerable potential for the future. Argyle's transfer dealings last summer following relegation from the Championship relied too heavily on young players with promise but little experience and understanding of the physical demands of League One. This time it feels much more considered and structured, with a firm plan in place which is being carried through, and while nothing is ever guaranteed in football it does bode well for the season ahead. You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE PlymouthLive has launched a Plymouth Argyle transfer news and top stories group on WhatsApp and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we'll send all the latest straight to your phone. To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Click here to join our WhatsApp community.