Plymouth Argyle Football Club has officially announced the signing of Ukrainian international Maksym Talovierov from Austrian side LASK Linz for what has been revealed as a club record fee, marking a significant moment for the Championship team.
The 24-year-old centre-back has agreed to join Argyle on a three-and-a-half-year contract, bringing with him valuable experience from his time at several clubs, including Slavia Prague, Slovan Liberec, and Dynamo Ceske Budejovice. Talovierov made headlines not just for his impactful club career but also for showcasing his talents on the international stage, where he has earned seven caps for Ukraine since making his debut.
Currently, Argyle finds itself at the bottom of the Championship table, grappling with pressing defensive challenges, especially with Brendan Galloway sidelined for the entire season and Lewis Gibson having recently departed for Preston North End. These circumstances make Talovierov’s arrival even more timely and necessary.
Plymouth's head coach Miron Muslic expressed his satisfaction with securing Talovierov, stating, "I have been open since I joined Argyle... Most important, he is a good defender and will strengthen our options..." Muslic elaborated on the player's attributes, noting Talovierov’s commanding presence, physicality, and technical skills on the pitch, which he hopes will bolster the team’s defensive capabilities.
Assistant coach Jimmy Dickinson echoed Muslic's sentiments, emphasizing Talovierov’s competitive edge and experience, saying, "Maksym is someone we have been aware of... he joins us with international and European pedigree..." This reflects Argyle’s strategy of enhancing their squad through targeted signings as they aim to improve their league standings.
Reportedly, the signing of Talovierov broke the club's transfer record for the second time within the same transfer window, following the acquisition of Michael Baidoo from Elfsborg. While the exact details of the transfer fee remain undisclosed, sources have speculated it to be around €2 million (approximately £1.7 million).
The deal has been sealed just before Argyle’s Championship match against West Bromwich Albion, set for the coming weekend, provided all necessary approvals including EFL clearance are met. Talovierov’s physical attributes could provide much-needed depth to the struggling Argyle squad as they seek to escape the relegation zone.
LASK Linz, the club Talovierov departs, expressed their support for his move to England. Their head coach, Markus Schopp, remarked, "We didn't want to deny Maksym Talovierov the chance to prove himself..." This statement highlights both the player’s development at LASK and the club’s confidence in their young talents who have shown promise during his absence.
With the defensive needs pressing for Argyle, Talovierov's addition may provide the spark the team needs to turn their season around. His previous performances during his time at LASK, where he made 67 appearances, coupled with his international experience, particularly at the Euro 2024 finals, have positioned him as one of the most sought-after defenders moving forward.
Going forward, fans of Plymouth Argyle hope to see Talovierov not only meet expectations but perhaps exceed them, solidifying his place as a key contributor to the squad. The anticipation surrounding his debut is palpable, with supporters eager to see how their new signing adapts to the challenges of the Championship.
The signing of Talovierov brings hope to the Argyle camp as they aim for greater heights this season, emphasizing the club's commitment to investing strategically for the long-term success of the team.