Argyle announced their fifth summer signing ahead of the 2025/26 Sky Bet League One campaign on Thursday night, as Xavier Amaechi arrived at Home Park.
The former England youth international and Arsenal Academy product joins the Greens after several years in 2. Bundesliga with Hamburger SV and 1. FC Magdeburg.
Upon his first visit to the Theatre of Greens, getting quickly acquainted with head Coach Tom Cleverley and Head of Football Operations David Fox, Amaechi shared his excitement for his future at Argyle and the project at hand, with a want for promotion straight away.
“It feels amazing, and I can't wait to get started,” Amaechi told Argyle TV. “I'm looking forward to meeting the boys and getting on the pitch. I’m feeling fresh. I've met Tom [Cleverley] and David [Fox], and most of the people and staff, so I just need to meet the players now!
“I want to hit the ground running really. I had a good season last year, playing a lot more games than in the previous seasons. For me, it's just about hitting the ground running and showing everyone what I can do with my creativity, one-on-one dribbling, goals and assists. And winning: I just want to win.
“The history and the stature of the club made me want to be here. Speaking to David, he told me that there's ambition and the project lines up with what I want to do. He made it seem that this was the right place for me.
“Also speaking to the gaffer as well; dominating the football and wanting to win, I think that suits me as well. I can get on the ball, I want to make things happen and help the team try and get up as soon as possible.”
The winger was one of the highly sought-after young prospects in England after coming through the Gunners’ academy, but the switch to Germany came to ensure first-team football could fall his way immediately. Xavier has no regrets about his move abroad.
He said: “The reason was to try and get first-team experience at a young age. It was a new experience, a different culture and a different way of playing, but I think I've learned a lot and grown as a man, as well as a player. Now is the right time to come back to England.
“It probably took a few months to get used to things, as I was 18 at the time. I was learning as well and had German lessons, but I'd say after six months, I was ready. I had my chances here and there, but also a bit of bad luck with injuries at the wrong time. However, in the last two years, I played a lot more football and last season was my breakthrough season really.
“My breakthrough year came with timing. You have to be patient. Sometimes you want too much too soon, and you might push yourself and get injured, but last season I was patient waiting for my chance and I'd say for the most part I took it. Now, I'm here and I’m so happy.”
With pre-season just getting underway, Amaechi will lean on those he already knows in the squad to start but is excited to get playing for Argyle in front of the Green Army at Home Park.
“I know Matty [Sorinola]. Pleggy [Julio Pleguezuelo], Nat [Ogbeta] and Bali [Mumba],” he explained. “It can help me for sure. I'm going to be hanging out with them and hopefully, they'll help me settle in as well.
“I'm ready. I'm always ready. I'm born ready. I’m excited about getting on the grass and training with the boys. I’ve been thinking about the next few days with the head coach, and it’s just a fresh feeling. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the fans as well, of course.”
