Bristol Rovers have sealed the signing of Brentford goalkeeper Matthew Cox on a season-long loan, the club have officially announced.
Football Insider‘s Transfer Correspondent Pete O’Rourke broke the news yesterday that the highly-rated goalkeeper was set for a medical to join Joey Barton’s side for the 2023/24 season, a report that has now come to fruition.
After developing as a youngster at Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon, Cox made the switch to Brentford’s B side, although spent the entirety of last season as the Bees’ third-choice goalkeeper behind Spain international David Raya and Thomas Strakosha in the first team.
The young shot-stopper also penned a six-year deal with the London club in 2022 with the option of a further year, highlighting Thomas Frank’s belief in his potential.
However, Frank is now allowing Cox to go out on loan and prove himself in men’s football, an experience yet to be had by the England U20s keeper.
Not just Cox?
Cox will not be the only player joining from Brentford on loan as defender Tristan Crama will follow suit. Prior to his exit from the Brentford Community Stadium today, the 21-year-old signed a new three-year deal with the Bees.
Both Cox and Crama are on the bench tonight as Bristol Rovers take on Swansea City in a pre-season friendly as preparations continue ahead of the new campaign. It will give fans the opportunity to watch the two new additions live in the flesh against a strong opponent.
Joey Barton himself teased the two transfers yesterday on Twitter to his subscribers and both have now been completed. The former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder tweeted this (via Bristol Live):
“Expecting @Official_BRFC to do 2 signings in the next 24 hours and hopefully 4 before Chesterfield game on Saturday.”
Writer’s View
Brentford boss Frank was full of praise for Cox when the goalkeeper signed his long-term contract last summer. The Danish coach had this to say during the club’s official announcement in July 2022:
“I think Matt has all the attributes a modern goalkeeper needs. He has very good positioning when coming for crosses and is a great shot stopper and with the ball at his feet.”
Cox could well displace James Belshaw as Bristol Rovers’ main man between the posts, particularly if Barton is keen to have a goalkeeper who is confident at playing out from the back.
Crama, on the other hand, will be a superb addition to the Gas’ squad and will offer much-needed depth as well as quality to a defensive department that will be tested by the gruelling demands of third-tier football.
These are two excellent moves for all parties involved and if Barton’s tweet is to be believed, two more will follow in the coming days.
