Jay Matete Signs
Argyle have bolstered their midfield ranks with the signing of dynamic midfielder Jay Matete from Sky Bet Championship side Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.
Matete. 21, becomes the fourth addition to the Argyle squad in just the sixth day of the January transfer window, adding strength in depth as the Pilgrims hunt a return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 2010.
The Lambeth-born midfielder began his career in the academy at Reading, before departing the Royals to sign scholarship terms at Fleetwood Town, where he would spend three-and-a-half years, in 2018.
Having shown glimpses of his immense potential in EFL Trophy fixtures, Matete began to feature with regularity in the Lancashire side’s match-day squad at League One level, and in January 2021 he swapped the Fylde coast for Humberside to expedite his development, joining Grimsby Town on loan until the end of the season.
Jay made 20 appearances for the Mariners in the second half of the 20/21 League Two campaign, netting three times – including opening the scoring after 32 seconds against Argyle’s weekend opponents, Bolton Wanderers, a screamer in a 2-1 win over Oldham Athletic, and a goal against the Pilgrims’ Devon neighbours, Exeter City.
The following season, all-action midfielder Matete established himself as a firm regular at Fleetwood. Jay’s impressive displays in a struggling side attracted the reported attention of a number of the division’s biggest sides, including Ipswich Town.
It was Sunderland, though, who would swoop to sign the midfielder on deadline day, just 11 days before his 21st birthday, adding power and tenacity to a Black Cats side which would earn a long-awaited promotion via the play-offs a few months later.
Argyle manager Steven Schumacher said: “I am delighted that Jay Matete has agreed to join us at Plymouth Argyle.
“He is another young, talented and hungry player added to the squad that will strengthen our chances to stay at the top end of this division.
“Jay’s performance data from last season was outstanding, which led Sunderland to pay a big fee and take him from Fleetwood Town. He then gained invaluable experience of competing at the top of end of League One to eventually gain a promotion to the Championship.
“We hope that Jay can bring his quality to Argyle and add some extra bite and aggressiveness to our midfield area.
“Welcome, Jay.”
Head of Recruitment Jimmy Dickinson said: "We are very pleased to secure the signing of Jay. He's a player that we have tracked and admired for some time.
"He adds depth and diversity to the gaffer's midfield options, bringing qualities we have identified as important - particularly in recovering possession in effective areas of the pitch.
"Jay has an opportunity to make a real impact in our midfield over the second half of the season and we are excited to see what he brings to Argyle.”
Matete will wear the number 28 jersey, and his shirt is sponsored by Steve Hoskin Construction.
Welcome to Home Park, Jay!
