Bristol Rovers have yet to do any transfer business yet but it can’t be too long until the fun begins.
The Gas are in pole position to sign James Wilson according to Bristol Live, and that would for sure make for a brilliant start to the transfer window. Rovers have needed a centre-back, and given he’s won two League One titles, he’d add that experience that is needed to go from a lower-half team to a play-off chasing side.
During Joey Barton’s tenure there has been a reliance on the loan market, and there’s an unwritten rule in football that you shouldn’t fall in love with a loan player, but they’ve done that plenty of times. Elliot Anderson and Connor Taylor are the two who have been admired the most, and with good reason because Anderson’s gone on to play in the Premier League, and could be playing in the Champions League next season. Taylor meanwhile was a vital player for Rovers in their promotion-winning campaign, with a wise head on young shoulders.
There’s been other players who have done well too, there’s a bit of disappointment Lewis Gibson probably won’t be coming back, whilst Lamare Bogarde was a good find from Aston Villa. All the good work Rovers have done with these loan players has been beneficial though as those clubs could consider loaning other players out, and those who have yet to do business with Rovers, will have seen a clear pathway.
Here we suggest loan players that Rovers could move for this summer. What do you think? Should the Gas continue to utilise the loan market or should there be a preference to recruit players on a permanent basis?
1. Brandon Cooper (Swansea City)
It’s now or never for Cooper, who’ll want to break in at Swansea City, but if he doesn’t Rovers is a good destination. Cooper was at Forest Green, but before that had loan moves at Newport County and Swindon Town. He comes from Swansea, who have an emphasis on playing nice football. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
2. Ryan Astley (Everton)
Is he the Lewis Gibson replacement? Astley’s been offered a new deal by Everton, and should he accept, he’d be a brilliant signing. Astley was at Accrington Stanley last year and scored against the Gas actually. Photo: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
3. Idris El Mizouni (Ipswich Town)
Is a midfielder needed? El Mizouni was ranked one of the better players in League Two last season, with three goals and two assists for title-winning Leyton Orient. Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
4. Riley Harbottle (Nottingham Forest)
Rovers are on the search for defensive reinforcements and Harbottle could be a good addition. He’s just been with Mansfield Town on loan, and kept 12 clean sheets in 32 games. Photo: Tony Marshall/Getty Images