Bristol Rovers are set to add to their defensive options by sealing a deal for Aston Villa’s Sil Swinkels.
The Dutchman has played twice for the Villans senior team, including this season during their EFL Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers. He joined the Birmingham club in 2020 from Vitesse Arnhem.
Swinkels Heads To Rovers
According to The Athletic’s transfer blog, Bristol Rovers have agreed a deal with Aston Villa for the 21-year-old, who will arrive on loan after this weekend’s fixtures. He has experience against third-tier teams, playing for Villa’s under-21 side in the EFL Trophy against Blackpool before being knocked out by Bradford City.
He signed a contract extension in November at Villa Park, but now will get a chance to play senior football regularly at The Gas, who sit in 19th place in League One. The two sides share a positive relationship, with Lino Sousa and Lamare Bogarde both playing at The Memorial Stadium in previous years.
Centre-back has been a priority for Inigo Calderon’s side, with Bristol Live understanding that the club were actively targeting the position in this window alongside some midfielders, which they have secured in the form of both Romaine Sawyers from AFC Wimbledon and Matt Butcher from Wycombe Wanderers.
Writer’s View
It is a good signing for Bristol Rovers as they have secured some extra depth at centre back and a player with high potential like Sil Swinkels. He has been a regular in matchday squads for the club in the Champions League and whilst not a player seeing any real game time for Unai Emery’s side, they have enough faith in him to give him a new contract. Rovers will be a tough test for him to start his senior football career as they battle against relegation worries but should fare well enough and develop under Inigo Calderon and his staff.
