"A firm favourite" - Plymouth Argyle told to offer contract extension to stop 2025 exit | OneFootball

FLW's Argyle fan pundit is keen to see Bundu stay after becoming a favourite around Devon, with his ability to make an impact off the bench.

Plymouth Argyle's Mustapha Bundu has had his moments in his, so far, short tenure with the Pilgrims but a decision will need to be made soon about his future with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025.

Bundu joined the Devon side from Belgian giants Anderlecht after impressive loans in Denmark and Spain with Aarhus and Andorra.

The Sierra Leone international began his career in England, originally residing with Hereford FC.

During his time with Plymouth, Bundu's status in the squad has been predominantly a squad option, making an impact off the bench.

Wayne Rooney will have to make the decision about whether to keep the 27-year-old as a part of his plans upon his contract expiry this summer.

Plymouth Argyle should offer Bundu an extension

FLW's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit, Chris, has issued his verdict on whether Bundu should be given a new deal or offloaded.

He said: "He signed for Argyle on transfer deadline day in our first season back in the Championship after our League One title win.

"Since that time, he's become a firm favourite, showing his capabilities of his vital finishing and being able to get a vital assist in the dying minutes of a game.

"For example, he was the only goalscorer in Argyle's win over Leicester City last season, which helped us detrimentally in staying in the league by fending off relegation by a single point.

"However, his contract is due to expire in 2025 as he only signed a two-year deal when he was originally brought to us.

"There is consideration from a lot of fans to extend his contract, and I firmly sit in that category in extending it at least by an additional year, despite not getting as much game time in recent times, he can still provide that essential presence when required, particularly in a wider wing role.

"Although he is typically a striker, I see him more suited to a role on the wing or in midfield, being much better with creativity than attacking balls.

"An extension would be the most beneficial fit for all parties. However, we'll have to wait and see whether that comes about or whether Argyle will have to offload him as soon as possible."

Bundu will likely only reach squad option status

It's a tricky proposition for Bundu, who has seemingly enjoyed his time at Argyle, but at the peak of his career, could he benefit more from a departure from Home Park?

He's made an impact off the bench, contributing minimally in terms of goals and assists, but provides a presence of solid work-rate which is a useful tool for Rooney to use in the dying embers of a game.

But Bundu may want more than that.

He's proven in the past with previous clubs he can become a key figure, having 16 goal contributions for Aarhus in the 2019/20 season, and so far at Plymouth, he's made a solid impact off the bench.

So far this campaign, he's made three starts out of the eight outings he's had this season, with Morgan Whittaker and Ibrahim Cissokho being preferred.

The likelihood is that Bundu may need to search elsewhere for a starting place and, unless prospects change, the fan favourite may have to move on.