Plymouth Argyle have made former Exeter City central defender Alex Hartridge their first summer signing.
The 27-year-old will become a free agent on 1 July when his contract at Burton Albion expires and he has agreed a two-year deal at Home Park.
The former Wycombe Wanderers defender came up through Exeter’s academy ranks and played 154 games for Argyle’s Devon rivals before leaving in the summer of 2024.
He returned to St James Park on loan during the second half of the 2024-25 season and made a further 18 appearances in League One.
“He had a good season for Burton Albion, and can strengthen us in more than one position,” Plymouth head coach Tom Cleverley told the club website, external.
“He has some attributes in areas that we have identified that we can improve, and I’m delighted at how early we have managed to get him on board.”
Hartridge, who can also play at left-back as well as in central defence, replaces Brendan Galloway, who was released by the club last month.
“Good left-sided players are sometimes hard to come by, and at 27 he has a great deal of experience, while also being in the prime of his career,” added director of football Derek Adams.
“He knows the area, will complement the players we already have, and I’m pleased we have made him our first signing this close season.”
