Oxford United have allowed promising defender Stephan Negru to return to League Two on loan with Bristol Rovers.
The centre-back was a standout player for Karl Robinson’s Salford City side last season, but did not feature past March for the Ammies. He made a brief return to the Kassam Stadium in January due to injury issues within the U’s squad.
Negru Makes Gas Switch
The 23-year-old Irishman joined Oxford from Shelbourne in 2023, and was seen as a strong bench option for Des Buckingham in their charge towards promotion from League One through the playoffs. He made 19 appearances that season, but was allowed to head to Salford on loan the following season.
Rovers confirmed their acquisition on deadline day, making him the second incoming of deadline day after the loan signing of Joel Cotterill from Swansea City. Speaking about the deal to sign Negru, Darrell 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.”
Rovers have had a shaky start to their League Two season, with losses in the early stages giving away to solid form with seven points in their last three matches. They travel across the Severn to rivals Newport County in their next league match.
Writers’ View
This is a great signing to make for Bristol Rovers. Stephan Negru was a standout defender in League Two for the first half of last season, helping Salford recover from a poor previous season to become a strong defensive unit alongside Curtis Tilt. He should provide good competition to existing defenders Alfie Kilgour and Barnsley loanee Kacper Lopata at centre-back, and should displace one of them once he settles at the Memorial Stadium.
