Plymouth Argyle see first business of the January window as loanees return to parent clubs

Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley has already begun his January transfer business, with two young players moving to and from the club in the first few days of the window.

19-year-old English midfielder Law McCabe joined the Pilgrims on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough in September.

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However, after playing just 13 minutes since the beginning of December, the two sides mutually agreed to cut the loan short and for the player to return to Teesside.

ABOVE: Law McCabe has returned to Teesside (Image: PPA)

Returning to Argyle is young Welsh winger Freddie Issaka, who joined Sky Bet League Two Bristol Rovers on loan on the deadline day of the previous transfer window.

In a statement on the club’s website, Plymouth Argyle noted Issaka’s return after “struggling for regular opportunities” at the Gas.

Issaka made 19 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship for Argyle in the 2024/25 season, scoring once in an exciting 3-3 home draw against Preston North End.

ABOVE: Freddie Issaka has returned to Argyle (Image: PPA)

EFL loan restrictions limit clubs to registering a maximum of four loan players in a season, with only five allowed in any matchday squad.

In the summer transfer window, the Greens signed 3 players on loan; centre-back Alex Mitchell from Charlton Athletic, winger Owen Dale from Oxford United and Law McCabe from Middlesbrough.

With Dale currently injured and McCabe returning to Boro, it is predicted that Cleverley will dip into the loan market again this January to strengthen his Argyle side who have lost just one of their last seven Sky Bet League One matches.