Plymouth Argyle attacker Morgan Whittaker is a name all too familiar with Rangers fans who’ve expected more from the club’s recent transfer dealings.
The 23-year-old forward might’ve joined Rangers in January 2023 when Michael Beale was manager, the Gers having had a bid rejected from Swansea City.
Moving to Plymouth six months later, Morgan Whittaker is a key player for the Pilgrims and proved it once again to cap a dramatic comeback at Home Park this weekend.
It’s a moment which proves precisely why Rangers might be either cursing their luck or reconsidering their interest when it comes to one of the English Championship’s brightest talents.
Morgan Whittaker scores dramatic Plymouth goal
When Wayne Rooney got his Plymouth side into the home dressing room against Preston North End this weekend, you can expect there was some choice words.
The Manchester United legend saw his team go 2-0 down to Preston in the first period and, moments after the kick-off, saw the Lilywhites extend their lead to three.
But undeterred, Plymouth roared back into the game in a stunning three goal response which was eventually capped off by none other than Morgan Whittaker himself.
The long-term Rangers target popped up in the second minute of injury time to complete a stunning comeback and earn his team a crucial point in a competitive English Championship table.
The two-footed attacker fired a wicked low left foot shot at Preston’s goal and, despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, sent Home Park delirious.
This point could be a precious one come the end of the season with 21st place Plymouth teetering over relegation back to League One next season.
Morgan Whittaker’s late goal also proves the attacker’s value to Plymouth Argyle, with Wayne Rooney insisting the club will only entertain ‘crazy’ bids because the forward is a ‘fantastic player’.
Rangers links a ‘win-win’ for Plymouth attacker
Rangers were also said to have reignited their interest in Morgan Whittaker this summer amid reports of a £7m bid for the attacker’s services.
Plymouth broke their transfer record to sign Whittaker from Swansea for £1m in the summer of 2023 and reports have suggested the south coast club want closer to £10m for the forward.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has recently hinted towards January transfer business with Rangers expected to be busy in the transfer market this winter.
As part of that many might cast glances to Morgan Whittaker, who hardly ruled out a move to Rangers when pressed on potential interest earlier in the season.
“I have been in this situation before so I know how to handle it and I found ways it worked for me, and that’s just focusing on what I can do,” Whittaker said in September.
“I think the difference to when I was at Swansea is I knew I was going to play here.
“In my eyes it was a win-win because I love it here and I’m playing all the time, and if I got the chance to move it would be to the higher level I want to be getting to. I didn’t see it as a bad position to be in.”
