Bristol Rovers have confirmed the capture of their fourth signing of the winter transfer window with the arrival of teenage Cardiff City striker Michael Reindorf on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old had been expected to move to League Two side Notts County on transfer deadline day, but the Gas managed to hijack the move at the last minute. Reindorf has now completed a medical at the Memorial Stadium and has been formally announced as the latest addition to Inigo Calderon’s squad.
The London-born striker, who began his youth career with West Ham before spending time with Leyton Orient and Norwich City, described himself as “very excited” ahead of his short-term move.
Reindorf becomes the club’s second signing of transfer deadline day following the arrival of 21-year-old Aston Villa defender Sil Swinkels on a loan deal of his own.
Reindorf played for West Ham, Leyton Orient and Norwich without making a senior appearance before signing for Cardiff City last summer following his release by the Canaries.
He has since appeared in four games for the Bluebirds, with one start in the Welsh club’s EFL Cup second round defeat to Southampton.
Speaking to Bristol Rovers’ club website, Reindorf said that it was “time to show what I am capable of”, adding that “being in front of the Memorial Stadium crowd is a big thing and I can’t wait”.
He had been set to move to Notts County with a deal already agreed between the Magpies and parent club Cardiff, but Bristol Rovers’ interest proved too tempting to turn down. The Gas had been linked with a move for Reindorf and fellow Cardiff striker Kion Etete earlier in the window, but will end up settling for signing one of their twin targets.
Goalkeeper concerns loom as deadline nears
Reindorf had been expected to be the final new signing for Bristol Rovers on deadline day, but the club may be forced to make further moves due to the knock-on effects of Ipswich Town’s move for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Alex Palmer.
As a result of losing their first-choice shot stopper, the Baggies may recall Josh Griffiths from his loan spell at the Memorial Stadium, which would in turn leave Rovers manager Inigo Calderon without his starting goalkeeper. It is not yet clear whether the club have any prospective targets lined up as we move into the final hours of the winter transfer window.
In other news, Bristol Rovers have rejected an offer from fellow League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town for veteran right-back Jack Hunt, who is now expected to remain at the Memorial Stadium until his contract expires at the end of the current campaign. Hunt was instrumental in helping the Gas to a crucial 3-1 win over Peterborough United on Saturday which gave the club a six-point cushion above the League One relegation zone.
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