Plymouth Argyle have been one of the feel-good stories of the 2025–26 season, and much of that credit goes to manager Tom Cleverley.
The former Manchester United and Everton midfielder took charge following the sudden departure of Bosnian boss Miron Muslic and a summer of major squad turnover.
Between mid-October and mid-November, Plymouth lost six games in a row, leaving fans fearing the worst. Yet, owner Simon Hallett stood by Cleverley a decision that has paid dividends.
The Pilgrims’ recent 5–2 home triumph over title favourites Cardiff City highlighted the club’s turnaround.
At the centre of it all has been Canadian forward Aribim Pepple, who has flourished since his permanent move from Luton Town last summer.
The 23-year-old has combined strength, pace, and finishing ability to become a key figure in Plymouth’s attack, drawing attention from clubs in the Championship, the Scottish Premiership, and even abroad.
Reportedly, Celtic are leading the pursuit of Pepple. The Scottish champions see him as a forward capable of bolstering their attacking options, and his growing reputation has put him firmly on their radar.
However, the Hoops will face competition from several English Championship clubs looking to strengthen their squads this summer.
Derby County have experienced a similar story in the Championship. Under John Eustace, the Rams endured a poor start, winning just once in their opening ten league games.
Yet, Eustace has gradually steadied the ship, transforming Derby into genuine play-off contenders.
A key concern for Derby this summer could be the potential departure of star striker Patrick Agyemang, who has attracted Premier League interest from Leeds United.
Should Agyemang leave, Derby would need to act decisively in the transfer market and Pepple could be the perfect solution.
His physicality, speed, and finishing ability would give Derby another attacking dimension, while learning from Carlton Morris could accelerate his adaptation to Championship football.
Sheffield United have also struggled early on this season. The club replaced Chris Wilder with Ruben Selles over the summer, only to suffer six defeats in their first six league games.
Wilder returned to manage a side that had lost key striker Kieffer Moore, signing Patrick Bamford on a free transfer as the main attacking talisman, while forwards like Tom Cannon, Tyrese Campbell, and Danny Ings struggled to make an impact.
Bamford has impressed, but at 32, his long-term role is uncertain. Pepple could be the ideal solution: a young, strong, and quick centre-forward who provides competition and a long-term attacking option.
Sheffield United would be wise to move early if they want to get ahead of Celtic and secure Pepple’s signature this summer.
Over in south Wales, Swansea City currently have the Championship’s top scorer in Zan Vipotnik, so adding another striker may not be a priority.
However, Vipotnik has attracted interest from Premier League sides such as West Ham, and his departure would leave a significant gap in Swansea’s attack.
Pepple represents a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Swans. He could step in immediately and maintain the team’s attacking output, while also offering competition and flexibility in the forward line.
With Celtic and several Championship sides also interested, Swansea would need to move quickly to convince the Canadian to switch from south England to south Wales this summer.
Aribim Pepple’s rise at Plymouth has made him one of the most intriguing young forwards in English football.
From Celtic to Derby, Sheffield United, and Swansea, a number of clubs could benefit from his pace, physicality, and goal-scoring instincts.
Whether he remains at Home Park or makes the step up to a bigger club, Pepple is set to be one of the standout names in the summer transfer window, and whichever club secures him could land a real coup.
