Midfielder Luke Cundle will spend the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
For the 21-year-old, it’s another loan in the second tier, after a successful campaign with Swansea City last time out, where he kicked on having been part of the Old Gold first-team group the previous year.
The midfielder has been part of the Wolves set-up for the past nine years, rising through the youth ranks to make his debut in September 2019, against Reading in the Carabao Cup at the age of 17.
Having played above his age group for periods, Cundle came to the fore in the 2021/22 season, enjoying a thoroughly impressive Premier League debut in a 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur – one of six first-team showings.
Those opportunities paved the way for a full season of development at Swansea, where Cundle played 34 times, scored three and provided four assists as the Swans narrowly missed out on the top six.
Now, having spent much of pre-season under the watchful eye of Julen Lopetegui, the youngster heads to Championship newcomers Plymouth, who enjoyed a winning start to the new season on Saturday.
Pathways manager Steve Davis said: “Luke had a good loan last season in the same league, so we felt this was another good fit. How they want to play will suit Luke, who is technically very good and wants to get on the ball, making things happen. He showed in the last few months what he can do in the final third and we want to see more of it.
“He brings experience of the league which is important to them back in the Championship. We had Nigel there last season and he played a lot of games. He enjoyed it and we hope Luke will too.
“There was interest around Luke because his first loan was a success, but Plymouth wanted to make it happen. He wants to play football and now he’s spent pre-season with the first-team, he’s hungry to get back out there and advance his development.”
Cundle links up with the Pilgrims ahead of their Carabao Cup tie with Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening and will be required to settle quickly in a new environment, which he did successfully in South Wales last season.
Davis said: “It’s good for him to have to travel and be out of his comfort zone. It’s a big club and a great location to focus on his football, where there are less distractions. They are passionate fans, and the expectation is high, so it’s a good environment – a bit of pressure and it’s a chance to be consistent.
“He started to add digits to his game at Swansea, rather than just be a midfielder who connects the play. He showed he could influence the game more, score goals, create goals – that’s what we’re looking for now.
“He’s got to get in the team after they had a good first game. He wasn’t there for pre-season, he’s going into a group which has worked together, so he has to settle, but he’s adaptable and I’m sure he’ll let his football do the talking.
“He’s very focused and wants to play. He wants to influence games and impose himself. These loans are opportunities to prove yourself and get better. He’s trying to learn every day with his attitude and approach – he’s got that drive and hopefully we’ll see that from him at Plymouth.”
