Plymouth Argyle set their sights on Nottingham Forest forward

Plymouth Argyle’s summer recruitment drive has taken a significant turn, with the Championship club now intensifying efforts to secure a loan move for a Nottingham Forest forward ahead of the 2025/26 season. As the Pilgrims look to solidify their position in the second tier and push for a top-half finish—or better—the addition of Premier League pedigree in attack is being seen as essential by the Home Park hierarchy.

Argyle’s interest, as confirmed by several sources close to the club, is now firmly locked on a young, dynamic attacker currently on the fringes of the Forest first team. The move comes amid Forest’s own summer reshuffle, with a host of departures and arrivals likely, and several players being made available either permanently or on loan.

This detailed report explores who the target is, why Plymouth believe the player is the right fit for their evolving squad, how the deal might be structured, Nottingham Forest’s current stance, and what this means for both clubs as they enter pivotal stages in their respective summer campaigns.

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Who Is the Target? Spotlight on Hwang Ui-jo and Forest’s Loan List

While the name has not yet been publicly confirmed, strong indications point toward Hwang Ui-jo, the South Korean international who joined Forest in 2022 and has spent the last two seasons out on various loans—including stints with Olympiacos, FC Seoul, and most recently Norwich City in the Championship.

Hwang, 32, is a versatile forward who can operate centrally or from wide areas and is known for his intelligent movement, work ethic, and ability to find space in the final third. His experience at international level, combined with his familiarity with the pace and demands of Championship football, makes him a strong candidate for a club like Plymouth, who are keen to blend youthful energy with seasoned professionals.

Sources close to Forest suggest Hwang is not in Nuno Espírito Santo’s long-term plans, and while a permanent transfer is being explored, the club would accept another loan move—particularly one where the receiving club covers a significant portion of his wages.

If not Hwang, another possible target is Dale Taylor, the promising Northern Irish forward who has impressed during loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion. Forest rate Taylor highly but may be willing to sanction a step-up loan to a Championship side to accelerate his development.

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Why Plymouth Are Targeting a Forest Forward

Plymouth Argyle’s summer rebuild under new manager Wayne Rooney is underway, and one of the major items on the agenda is bolstering the forward line. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the club parted ways with several senior players, including Mustapha Bundu and Ben Waine, creating room for attacking reinforcements.

Argyle’s current setup includes talented wide players like Morgan Whittaker and Bali Mumba, but there is a clear need for a clinical, mobile forward who can link play, stretch defences, and contribute in transitions. Whether it’s Hwang’s experience or Taylor’s youth and potential, Forest’s surplus in the striker department presents an ideal opportunity for Plymouth to strike.

Technical director Neil Dewsnip and head of recruitment Jimmy Dickinson are believed to be prioritising a loan market strategy, targeting players with top-flight or upper-Championship pedigree who may be out of favour at their parent clubs but have the hunger and quality to make an impact.

With Forest under pressure to offload fringe players to remain within Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), a deal could suit both parties.

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Wayne Rooney’s Vision: Attacking Football with Premier League Precision

New manager Wayne Rooney has made it clear he wants to instil a proactive, attacking style at Home Park. After difficult managerial spells at Derby County and Birmingham City, Rooney is determined to revive his reputation in Devon—and he’s looking to do so with players who can bring Premier League intensity and tactical discipline to the Championship.

A forward from Nottingham Forest would fit the bill perfectly. Rooney’s system is expected to rely on high pressing, quick transitions, and forward movement—qualities that both Hwang and Taylor possess. The former, in particular, has been praised for his intelligent pressing and positioning, while Taylor brings youthful aggression and a natural goal instinct.

In a recent interview, Rooney spoke about his desire to blend experience and youth:

“We need characters in the dressing room but also legs on the pitch. There’s a fine balance, and we’re working hard to find the right players—not just for ability, but for attitude.”

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The Financials: How the Deal Could Work

From a financial perspective, a loan move for a Forest forward would likely involve a wage-sharing agreement, particularly in Hwang’s case, given his higher salary bracket following moves in France and Greece.

Plymouth are expected to offer a straight season-long loan, possibly with an option to buy if the player excels. For Taylor, the deal would be simpler, involving a standard development loan, possibly with performance-based incentives.

Forest, meanwhile, are keen to reduce their wage bill and free up squad space for further arrivals. They view loan deals with Championship sides as ideal platforms to keep players match-fit and increase their transfer value.

An insider close to the negotiations revealed:

“Forest are open to sensible deals. They’re not trying to force players out, but if the right project and financial terms align, they’ll move quickly.”

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Forest’s Bigger Picture: Squad Streamlining Under Nuno

As Forest continue to rebuild after a chaotic 2023/24 season that saw them survive relegation by a narrow margin, manager Nuno Espírito Santo is being given the green light to reshape his squad.

Players like Josh Bowler, Jonathan Panzo, Harry Arter, and Emmanuel Dennis are all expected to move on, while others—like Hwang—are in limbo, with no clear role in the new system. Young talents such as Taylor, Ola-Adebomi, and Ben Hammond are being evaluated for potential loans.

Forest are also shopping for a new striker to compete with Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood, which will further limit chances for fringe forwards. That creates a window of opportunity for clubs like Plymouth to swoop in and offer competitive minutes to talented but underused assets.

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Plymouth’s Long-Term Strategy: Building with Loans and Smart Buys

Chairman Simon Hallett has consistently emphasized that Plymouth will not overspend but will pursue “clever recruitment,” balancing the books while remaining competitive.

Last season, the club relied heavily on players like Finn Azaz (on loan from Aston Villa) and Luke Cundle (from Wolves), and their successful integration proved that the loan market can yield high-quality, impactful players if scouted and managed properly.

This summer, Argyle want to go a step further by securing more senior loanees—those who have played under pressure and can mentor younger squad members.

Bringing in a forward from a Premier League side like Nottingham Forest is part of that equation.

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Fan Reaction: Excitement and Cautious Optimism

While the name of the Forest player has yet to be officially confirmed, Plymouth fans on social media have responded positively to the rumours.

A potential loan for Dale Taylor, in particular, has generated buzz, with supporters citing his goal-scoring exploits in League One as evidence of his promise. Hwang’s name has been met with curiosity and a bit more skepticism due to his age, though many fans believe his experience could prove vital if the terms are right.

Fan group Green Army Online tweeted:

“Would love to see Taylor in green and white—hungry young striker with real bite. Hwang also interesting. Rooney’s clearly thinking big.”

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Timeline: When Could the Move Happen?

Negotiations are said to be at an advanced exploratory stage, with a deal expected to be finalised before mid-August, in time for the player to take part in Plymouth’s final pre-season friendlies and hit the ground running in the Championship opener.

Forest want clarity on player futures early in August to avoid a backlog of last-minute decisions. Plymouth, meanwhile, are expected to complete 2–3 signings within the next two weeks, and the Forest forward is believed to be a priority among them.

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Conclusion: Mutual Needs, Mutual Opportunity

The potential move between Plymouth Argyle and Nottingham Forest represents a classic case of mutual benefit: a Championship club needing firepower and Premier League experience, and a top-flight side seeking minutes, exposure, and development for their fringe talent.

Whether it’s Hwang Ui-jo bringing seasoned know-how, or Dale Taylor offering raw promise, one thing is clear: Plymouth are making a serious push to enhance their attacking options under Wayne Rooney—and Forest are ready to do business.

In a summer filled with Premier League fireworks, this Championship storyline could quietly become one of the shrewdest bits of business if both clubs get it right.