Plymouth Argyle are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign goalkeeper Archie Mair following his departure from Norwich City, according to Football Insider.
The Pilgrims are undergoing a significant summer overhaul as they prepare for life in League One under new manager Tom Cleverley. After the unexpected exit of Miron Muslic, Cleverley was appointed and has wasted no time making moves in the transfer market.
Recruitment activity had already begun prior to Cleverley’s arrival, but the club has continued to build with urgency. Now, they are said to be closing in on their seventh signing of the window, with Mair emerging as a key target.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper is currently a free agent after Norwich City decided not to renew his contract during a reshuffle that saw the Canaries sign Daniel Grimshaw from Plymouth. Reports suggest Argyle are leading the race for Mair’s signature and are confident of sealing a deal.
Mair, a Scottish goalkeeper who came through the ranks at Aberdeen before moving to Norwich in 2019, has gained valuable experience through various loan spells. He’s had stints at King’s Lynn Town, Lincoln City, Dartford, Notts County, Gateshead, Morecambe, and most recently, Motherwell. Though he’s often served as a backup, he has seen action at a senior level.
One of the standout moments of his career came during the National League play-off final with Notts County, where he came off the bench to make crucial saves in a penalty shootout, helping the club earn promotion to League Two.
With Daniel Grimshaw and Conor Hazard sharing goalkeeping duties at Argyle last season, and Grimshaw now gone, Hazard appears set to take on the starting role once again. Zak Baker remains at the club and is expected to continue as third-choice, provided he doesn’t go out on loan.
If Mair does sign, he will likely serve as both backup and competition for Hazard. Given Hazard’s previous injury issues, Mair will be keen to stay sharp and ready to step in when needed — a position he’s grown accustomed to throughout his career.
