Plymouth Argyle have finally ended their striker search, securing the signing of Lorent Tolaj from Port Vale on a four-year deal.
The 23-year-old arrives at Home Park after the Pilgrims triggered the £1.2m release clause in his contract, bringing to an end weeks of speculation over who would replace Ryan Hardie as the club’s new number nine.
Tolaj was pivotal to Vale’s promotion campaign last season, scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists in 37 League Two appearances. His output was a key factor in Vale’s second-place finish, with his ability to link play and stretch defences making him one of the standout forwards in the division.
Head coach Tom Cleverley hailed the signing as a “monumental step” for the club, highlighting Tolaj’s rise through the pyramid after spells at Aldershot Town, Dundee, Salford City, and Cambridge United before his breakout with Port Vale.
“Wherever Lorent has been, he’s proven he can score goals,” Cleverley said. “I’ve been very clear all window that we needed the right striker through the door, and although it’s taken longer than we hoped, I couldn’t be happier to bring him here. He’s a player with the right profile, the right hunger, and he comes from a winning environment. That’s crucial for us.”
Argyle’s start to the season has been a difficult one, losing their opening four League One matches, but with the addition of defensive reinforcements Alex Mitchell and Mathias Ross earlier this week, and now Tolaj’s arrival, Cleverley believes the squad is starting to take shape.
Tolaj himself expressed excitement about the move, calling it a “big opportunity” to prove himself at a higher level and repay the faith shown in him.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 League Two (Port Vale):
• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 14
• Assists: 8
• Minutes played: 3,042
🟩 ZONE CONFIRMED
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