Bristol Rovers sent split transfer verdict over major summer transfer decision

Bristol Rovers fans have a contrast in opinions when it comes to the potential sale of Aaron Collins in the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old has just come off a career-best campaign and was named the League One Player of the Year at the EFL Awards in April. Collins netted 16 goals for the Gas, who finished 18th in their thirst season back in the third tier and also got 11 assists, making him one of the most involved players across the four professional divisions in England.

No one wants to see their best players sold, and there is nothing to suggest that a sale is imminent, but there is always a possibility given the uncertain nature of the transfer market. Collins’ stock is at its highest, as it is not just his club that is aware of his talents, and whilst he was snubbed for a Wales call-up again, he is still a player worth investing in.

If Joey Barton is to assemble a team capable of challenging for the play-offs this season, or in the next two years then keeping Collins would go a long way in helping them achieve that goal. Alternatively, a big sale could also allow for the money to be reinvested across the whole squad, but replacing the impact he has on the team could be tricky.

As for how much he’s valued at, the nearly £4m that Burnley paid MK Dons for Scott Twine, is what Barton views him at. Wael al-Qadi has no reason to sell, and the potential windfall from Jonson Clarke Harris’ sell-on-fee could mean money is coming from elsewhere, as the Memorial Stadium capacity increases.

But if Rovers did have to sell Collins, what would be deemed a fair price? We conducted a big Bristol Rovers survey, which asked various questions, including if you realistically could sign any player, and you gave us and Barton a 22-man strong transfer shortlist. We asked ‘If Aaron Collins was to leave Bristol Rovers - what would you deem a fair price?’ and it was a mixed response.

A fee of between £2.5m and £3m was the highest response, but not by much with 35.6% of fans believing that would be a fair price. Some fans want more for Collins however, and 30.1% of respondents said £3.5m would be what they’d expect, and a further 25% said £4m or more is what should come Rovers’ way if a sale has to take place. Only 8.2% of fans said that they’d want between £1.5m and £2m for Collins, which shows that there is a general consensus that £2.5m above is what it’ll take to prize Collins away.

For those that are hell-bent on Collins staying, he dropped a transfer hint last month, that he wanted to remain at his boyhood club.He believes he has a ‘point to prove’ and is excited by the prospect of a promotion push next season, and wants to achieve Championship football with Bristol Rovers, rather than having to seek a move away. No official transfer speculation came about in January but there was interest, and it is understood by BristolWorld that Stoke City are one club that are keeping tabs on Collins, amid a rebuild at the bet365 Stadium