Wayne Rooney 'closely' monitored Leeds United man in summer transfer window

Plymouth Argyle head coach Wayne Rooney has expressed his delight over Darko Gyabi rejoining the Championship club on a season-long loan from Leeds United. The midfielder first joined the Pilgrims from the Whites back in January, making 10 appearances under Ian Foster.

But a groin injury cut short Gyabi's loan spell in March and he returned to Elland Road ahead of having surgery. Rooney said: "I heard really good reports about Darko from his time with Argyle last season and since watching him closely I was really keen to bring him back to the club.

"He fits the profile of midfielder I like to have within the squad, as he is good on the ball, powerful and athletic, and will fit the style of play I am looking to implement. It is a really exciting time with the squad due back for pre-season this week - I am delighted that Darko will be a part of that."

Read more: Leeds United scriptwriters denied Hollywood ending with Gray legacy nobody dreamt after Bielsa call

Gyabi, who joined the Whites from City off the back of Kalvin Phillips’s switch to Etihad Stadium in 2022, still has two more years left to run on his United contract. The England international has followed Luke Ayling, Lewis Bate, Jack Harrison, Sonny Perkins, Marc Roca, Ian Poveda and Archie Gray out of the Whites since May’s Championship play-off final.

Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: “We are thrilled that Darko has agreed to join us again for the season. We saw real glimpses of his ability during his short spell at the club and were all disappointed when his season finished early due to injury.

“He loved his time here and was really keen to come back. He will complement Wayne’s midfield options perfectly. He is young and has a real hunger to prove himself at this level and beyond.

“He will join up with the squad in time for pre-season and we look forward to having him back with us.”

Gyabi is joined at Home Park by Muhamed Tijani. The forward has joined the Pilgrims on a season-long loan deal from Czech side Slavia Prague.