Swedish club IF Elfsborg agreed to the transfer of Michael Baidoo to Plymouth Argyle because of the desire of the Ghana international midfielder to continue his career in England.

It cost the Pilgrims an undisclosed club record fee to prise Baidoo away from Elfsborg, for whom he had been starring in the UEFA Europa League this season. The highlight came when he scored the winning goal from the penalty spot as they beat Italian Serie A side AS Roma 1-0.

Argyle also made a bid for 25-year-old Baidoo last August, and he was keen to sign for them then, but Elfsborg would not agree to a transfer because of their Europa League involvement. However, the Pilgrims waited patiently for the winter transfer window to come around and this time their bid was accepted by the Boras-based club.

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Elfsborg director Stefan Andreasson told his club's official website: "Since Michael came to us three years ago, he has made a huge impression and is probably the most popular and successful foreign player we have ever had with us.

"On the football field, he has developed into one of our and the entire Allsvenskan's best players. As a person, he has made an equally big impression with his humble way of always making time for everyone around Elfsborg.

"There has been interest in basically every transfer window, but then we have always had respectful discussions that have ended with loyalty to us as a club. Based on the fact that Michael had a desire to continue his career in the British Isles and that Plymouth has patiently waited and acted in the way we wanted, we have now chosen to accept a transfer.

"Michael has charmed us all and you are touched when a player and person like Michael leaves us, but now it is time to say 'Many thanks Michael for everything you have given us, good luck and we hope to see you again'."

Baidoo, who signed a contract with Argyle until the summer of 2028, made his international debut for Ghana in October when he was a substitute during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan.

Argyle first team coach Kevin Nancekivell spoke about the signing of Baidoo following the 0-0 Championship draw away to Stoke City at the weekend. He said: "I'm looking forward to working with him. He has been in the last couple of days, he's a lovely lad, seems a great character.

"He's an exciting footballer. He can play as an eight, he has played as a forward as well. I'm hoping he can score some goals, be creative, and give us a little bit more weapons in our armoury." Baidoo is expected to make his debut for Argyle in the Emirates FA Cup third round tie away to Premier League club Brentford on Saturday.

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