Bristol Rovers have confirmed their second signing on transfer deadline day, adding a youthful striker to Inigo Calderon’s side.
Bristol Rovers have confirmed the signing of their fourth player of the winter transfer window, teenage Cardiff City striker Michael Reindorf, on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old was set to join League Two club Notts County on transfer deadline day, but the Gas were able to hijack the deal at the last minute. Reindorf has completed a physical at Memorial Stadium and has been officially declared as the latest addition to Inigo Calderon’s squad.
The London-born striker, who began his youth career at West Ham before moving on to Leyton Orient and Norwich City, said he was “very excited” about his short-term move.
Reindorf is the club’s second signing on transfer deadline day, following the arrival of 21-year-old Aston Villa defender Sil Swinkels on loan.
Who is new signing Michael Reindorf?
Reindorf played for West Ham, Leyton Orient, and Norwich without making a senior game until joining with Cardiff City last summer after being released by the Canaries.
He has now made four appearances for the Bluebirds, including one start in the Welsh club’s EFL Cup second round loss to Southampton.
Reindorf told Bristol Rovers’ official website that it was “time to show what I am capable of” and that “being in front of the Memorial Stadium crowd is a big thing and I can’t wait”.
He was supposed to join Notts County, with a deal previously signed between the Magpies and parent club Cardiff, but Bristol Rovers’ interest was too tempting to pass up. The Gas were linked with a deal for Reindorf and fellow Cardiff striker Kion Etete earlier in the window, but will instead acquire one of their dual targets.
Goalkeeper concerns loom as deadline nears
Reindorf was thought to be Bristol Rovers’ final new signing on deadline day, but the club may need to make other transfers as a result of Ipswich Town’s purchase for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Alex Palmer.
As a result of losing their first-choice shot stopper, the Baggies could recall Josh Griffiths from his loan term at the Memorial Stadium, leaving Rovers boss Inigo Calderon without a starting custodian. As we approach the end of the winter transfer season, it is unclear whether the club has any prospective targets lined up.
In other news, Bristol Rovers have rejected a bid from fellow League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town for experienced right-back Jack Hunt, who is expected to stay at the Memorial Stadium until his contract expires at the end of this season. Hunt was key in the Gas’ crucial 3-1 victory over Peterborough United on Saturday, which gave the team a six-point lead above the League One relegation zone.