Bristol Rovers is pleased to confirm the signing of Stephan Negru on a season-long loan from Sky Bet Championship side Oxford United.
Centre-back Negru will spend the 2025/26 season on loan with the Gas and is the second loanee to join Rovers on transfer deadline day, and the twelfth acquisition of the summer transfer window.
Head Coach Darrell Clarke is pleased to sign on Negru on loan to Rovers and is looking forward to working with the defender.
Clarke said: “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.”
Director Of Football Ricky Martin said: “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.”
Born in Ireland to parents of Moldavan heritage, Negru began his footballing career with Lourdes Celtic before joining Shelbourne in 2017. The defender would make his professional debut in 2022, playing the full 90 minutes in a 4-0 FAI Cup victory against Bonagee United.
His debut in the League of Ireland Premier Division was marked with a goal as Negru scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Finn Harps.
A move to then-League One side Oxford United was confirmed in January 2023 with the defender making his first appearance as a second-half substitute in a League One fixture against Sheffield Wednesday in April 2023. His full debut followed a week later, away to Port Vale.
Negru played 19 times in all competitions in the 2023/24 season for Oxford, including 13 times in League One, impressing throughout the campaign with a string of composed performances.
He joined Salford City on loan in June 2024, establishing himself in the starting XI for the Ammies. His fine form, combined with a selection of injuries for Oxford, saw the 23-year-old recalled by his parent club in January 2025 only to rejoin Salford on loan again a short time later.
He made 32 appearances in all competitions for Salford throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to warmly welcome Stephan to the Club and wishes him every success during his loan at The Memorial Stadium.
A full interview with Stephan will be available in due course on BRTV.
