As per Bristol Live, Bristol Rovers are in line to sign De Graafschap’s Dutch striker Mees Rijks – currently on loan from Norweigan side Vålerenga – to partner Swiss striker Fabrizio Cavegn as the Gas continue to explore foreign markets under the AlSaeed ownership.
Steve Evans was in desperate need for a forward man this window, given injuries in the attacking ranks, but it’s unclear at this stage whether the deal would be permanent or a loan potentially with a buy option for the summer.
Ruel Sotiriou recently departed for Hapoel Jerusalem FC, while Ellis Harrison, Promise Omochere, and Callum Morton have all struggled for availability.
Rijks, 22, stands at approximately 6’2″ and could form exactly the duo Rovers need alongside Cavegn. He has mainly plied his trade in his native Netherlands, but made the switch to Norway in 2024.
Before that, Rijks was playing for FC Utrecht, making five appearances at the end of the 2020/21 season, ending with one goal and one assist.
The following campaign he earnt himself a first team appearance, before going on to play 33 games for Jong FC Utrecht in the Eestre Divise – the Dutch second tier.
In total between 2020-24, Rijks scored 20 goals in 92 games. But with first team options still lacking, he made the switch to Norway’s top division Eliteserien with Vålerenga in 2024.
He scored 13 in 30 in 2024 – and a further five in five with the second team – before a less productive one in 14 in 2025.
This season though, Rijks has struggled for game time on loan at De Graafschap, back in the Dutch Eestre Divise, scoring just once in 125 minutes across five matches.
He’s been an unused substitute on five occasions, and not involved since the end of October. As a result, Rijks is considering the switch to England this window.
It’s fair to say that Gasheads immediately took to Cavegn with his determination to succeed in the English game. He joined this summer as a 22-year-old from FC Vaduz, bringing infectious energy to the club.
Despite the Rovers struggles, Cavegn has amassed an impressive 13 goals in 32 appearances this campaign. The key issue has been his lack of physical partner.
Rijks would be just that, forming a brilliantly complimentary partnership. And there’s similarities with the move, with the Dutch striker similarly determined to thrive in a new challenge overseas.
