Bristol Rovers have made their second signing of deadline day with the capture of centre back Stephan Negru from Oxford United on a season long loan.
Darrell Clarke has largely avoided loans to now for the most part, only securing local lad Kacper Lopata for the season before earlier today signing Swansa midfielder Joel Cotterill.
Compared to past years and indeed the typical way for most League One and Two clubs, it is unusual to not have the majority of your loan spots filled, but Clarke’s summer seems to have been focused on bringing in players he can trust, and players with some experience of the lower leagues for the most part.
Negru is someone the Gas have had links to in recent weeks and Rovers have now secured his services for the season. Born in Ireland, Negru possesses Moldovan heritage through his parents.
He joined English football with Oxford in January 2023 from Shelbourne in his native land, and he has since played 21 games for the U’s. The defender then played 32 times at Salford last season, recalled in the winter window only to be loaned back a few weeks later, and was largely impressive with his all-round game.
At 6’2″, the Irishman remains a commanding defender – important to Clarke as he continues to build a more solid defence compared to the one that conceded 76 goals in blue and white last campaign.
Captain Alfie Kilgour and Lopata have now kept three successive clean sheets though, so Negru may have to wait for his first team opportunity. Nevertheless, Rovers have done well to secure his services ahead of interest elsewhere for the young defender.
What Have Bristol Rovers Had To Say?
Clarke commented: “I am happy to welcome Stephan to the Club. He is an aggressive and strong centre-back who will add presence to our defensive options. Stephan has shown already what he can offer at this level over the last season and we’re looking forward to working with him over the coming campaign.”
Ricky Martin added: “Stephan is a strong, front-footed centre-back who fits the profile of character have been looking to recruit in this transfer window. He had a really successful loan with Salford City in League Two last season and will bring experience and competition to our defensive line.
“Bringing Stephan to Bristol Rovers on loan was a late opportunity that presented itself to us and I would like to credit our recruitment team for their hard work in tracking him, presenting to him and bringing him to the Club.”
