Bristol Rovers sign 25-year-old Motherwell centre-back on loan until end of the season

Bristol Rovers have signed centre-back Kofi Balmer on loan from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

The 25-year-old, who has agreed a deal until the end of the season, has previously played played for Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon on the English Football League while on loan from Crystal Palace.

The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international left the English top-flight side to move north of the border in the summer of 2024.

He has played 31 times for Motherwell, but has not featured in the first-team since 27 September.

He is the first new loanee to join the Gas after boss Steve Evans sent all five of their previous loan players back to their parent clubs last week.

“There was a lot of interest in Kofi’s signature across England and Scotland, and my thanks goes to Ricky [Martin] and the recruitment team for their efforts in assisting me in getting him here,” Evans told the club website.

“Kofi is a versatile defender who is calm, composed and comfortable in possession.

“He has good experience in the EFL and in the Scottish Premiership, and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He spoke of having lots to prove and I love kids who have that desire when they come here.”