It was a busy summer transfer window for Bristol Rovers, with fourteen players added to the squad to help the Gas for the 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two season.
June
Transfers started arriving quickly, with left-back Jack Sparkes signing from Sky Bet League One side Peterborough United. There was then a double signing two days later. Centre-back Alfie Kilgour, who made 118 appearances for the Club in his first spell after graduating from the Academy, returned to the Pirates after a period at Mansfield Town and was later made captain by Head Coach Darrell Clarke.
Macauley Southam-Hales was then confirmed as Rovers' third signing soon after, with the right-back adding further depth at full-back. The 29-year-old made the switch from Stockport County, where he helped the Hatters to two promotions in his five-season stay.
Brad Young then moved to the Club from Leicester City to add to the goalkeeping ranks before Rovers concluded the month with the addition of Josh McEachran, who switched from Oxford United. The midfielder is one of the most experienced players in the squad after making appearances across the football pyramid, including playing 15 times in the Premier League and was the first player born after the creation of the Champions League to take part in it.
July
Rovers started their July transfer business with the addition of Luke Southwood, with the goalkeeper joining the Gas from Bolton Wanderers. The shot-stopper has started each game in Sky Bet League Two so far this term and was named vice captain before the start of the campaign.
Meanwhile, young midfielder Ryan Howley was impressed in the pre-season and earned a permanent deal following a successful trial period, with the duo joining the Club in time for the pre-season tour in southern Spain. There was also a welcome return for fan favourite Ellis Harrison, who re-signed from MK Dons to provide firepower in the attack.
August
The Gas added continental flair when Swiss forward Fabrizio Cavegn joined from FC Vaduz at the start of August, with the 22-year-old registering 41 goals in 103 appearances in his senior career before moving to the Pirates. Centre-back Kacper Lopata also moved on loan from Barnsley, with the defender returning to Bristol after growing up in the city when he was younger.
September
As the clock ticked down on transfer Deadline Day, Rovers were among League Two’s busiest clubs. Four loan signings arrived with the additions of Joel Cotterill from Swansea City, Alfie Chang from Birmingham City, Stephan Negru from Oxford United, and Freddie Issaka from Plymouth Argyle.
Overall, Rovers secured nine permanent signings and five loan players, covering all areas of the squad.
