Lorent Tolaj in action for Plymouth Argyle, with Michael Skubala in a circular inset

Lorent Tolaj is set to join Bristol CityImago

Sources: Lorent Tolaj heading to Bristol City for medical after bid accepted

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

16 Jul 2026, 3:35 pm

Bristol City have agreed a deal to sign Plymouth Argyle star Lorent Tolaj on a permanent transfer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old is due at Aston Gate in the next 24-48 hours to undergo a medical and complete formalities ahead of completing his move to the Championship outfit.

Tolaj enjoyed an outstanding season for Plymouth last time out, as he scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.

However, after Tom Cleverley's side missed out on promotion when they finished eighth in the table, his departure became almost inevitable.

The Robins have now seen off rival interest from a number of rival Championship clubs, as well as some in Scotland and across Europe, to agree terms for his signature.

Tolaj was under contract at Home Park until 2029, placing the club in a strong position with regard to his future, but they have now opted to cash in.

Why are Bristol City closing in on Lorent Tolaj?

Football Insider first revealed in April that a number of Championship clubs including the likes of Derby County and Millwall were plotting moves to sign Tolaj.

However, Bristol City have moved quickly to steal a march on their rivals, and are now set to confirm the striker's signing in the coming days subject to medical tests.

Michael Skubala has marked the addition of a new striker as a pirority following his appointment as first-team manager, with Tolaj quickly identified as a key target.

Emil Riis is currently the only senior striker on the books at Ashton Gate, with academy product Billy O'Neill the only option behind him as things stand.

Tolaj will come into the side both to put pressure on Riis and to make the spot his own, having earned the step up into the Championship with his League One displays.

There are hopes at Bristol City that the forward's goalscoring prowess will be the first step to moving up the league table next season.

Derby County join race for Plymouth goal machine Lorent Tolaj as Patrick Agyemang replacement lined up

Lorent Tolaj: Rangers race to sign Plymouth star heats up with English Championship twist

Which other clubs were interested in signing Tolaj?

Bristol City's agreement to sign Tolaj will be seen as a major coup given the level of interest in the striker from a number of clubs across England, Scotland and the rest of Europe.

The likes of Norwich City, Preston North End, Stoke City and Swansea City were among his Championship suitors, but all of them have been beaten to the punch.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in May that Rangers were keen on Tolaj after keeping tabs on his performances in League One over the course of the season.

Derek McInnes' side have been keen to bolster their squad and identified the Plymouth striker as an option, but sources said they would be at risk of missing out.

The interest from Championship clubs, now notably Bristol City, made any deal hard for Rangers to pull off and they instead set their sights on alternative targets.

Stoke City Football Club