Bristol Rovers have completed their first signing of the summer, acquiring Isaac Hutchinson from Walsall, a move that has generated significant excitement among fans.
Hutchinson cited the electric atmosphere at the Memorial Stadium as a factor in his decision to join the team.
This signing marks the first for Bristol Rovers during this transfer window and the second permanent addition for manager Matt Taylor, following the arrival of Kamil Conteh in January.
The exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, as Bristol Rovers activated the compensation release clause in Hutchinson’s contract, which had one year remaining at the Bescot Stadium.
The 24-year-old has signed a three-year deal which is a rarity in League One with Rovers holding an option of a further year. He arrives at the Mem with much hype surrounding him. Hutchinson got 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Walsall last season and will be a welcome addition to the midfield.
“I am really happy to be here at Bristol Rovers,” the 24-year-old said to the official club website.
“I’ve had really good conversations with the manager and everyone at the Club, and I’m delighted to join.
“I’ve always known Bristol Rovers is a big club. I’ve played at The Memorial Stadium before and the home fans always create an incredible atmosphere. Things like that, as well as the conversations I’ve had, have made it clear to me that the Club is moving upwards.
“Everything here is positioned around moving forwards, improving across the board, and it’s exciting to join the Club and be a part of it.”
Eastbourne-born Hutchinson began his professional career with Brighton & Hove Albion and spent eight years there before joining Southend United.
He spent two seasons at Roots Hall before moving on to Derby County, where he played four times with their being loans to Forest Green Rovers and Crawley Town in the between.
Walsall signed him in June 2022, and in the 2023/24 season, a campaign in which Walsall finished 11th, he was voted their Player of the Year.
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