Ryan de Havilland looks set to become the first Bristol Rovers signing under head coach Steve Evans
18:10, 02 Jan 2026Updated 18:48, 02 Jan 2026
Arsenal under-21s left-back Lino Sousa is closed down by Ryan De Havilland of Peterborough United during the EFL Trophy match at the Weston Homes Stadium on December 5, 2023 – Photo by Alan Walter – Arsenal FC/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Bristol Rovers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Ryan de Havilland, in what would be Steve Evans’ first signing of the January transfer window, as per Pete O’Rourke on X.
In the verdict released this morning, we reported that the Gas were interested in the midfielder, and it looks like Evans has got his man, as he looks to bolster his squad in the fight for League Two survival.
The Peterborough United central midfielder has only played twice for the League One outfit this season and looks set to join Rovers on a permanent deal.
The 24-year-old spent time as an academy player at Reading and Fulham, spending 11 years at the Cottagers. After signing a professional contract at the Premier League club, he went on loan at Metropolitan Police before switching to Barnet in October 2021.
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While at Barnet, de Havilland had loan spells at non-league clubs, including Hayes & Yeading United and Beaconsfield Town, and also made over 60 appearances for the Bees in the National League between 2021 and 2023.
In the summer of 2023, the midfielder joined Peterborough United, and since then, he has made 70 appearances in all competitions at London Road, scoring five and registering one assist.
He also has one appearance for England C, scoring on his debut against Wales.
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The Posh midfielder would become Evans’ first signing as the Rovers head coach. So far, the 63-year-old has picked up four points from four games in League Two, including a 3-0 win against Shrewsbury Town on New Year’s Day.
Since the start of his tenure, Evans has stressed that himself and director of football Ricky Martin will be busy in January to secure new additions to the squad. In fact, he revealed in his post-match press conference that a new signing was “imminent,” and it looks like de Havilland is the man to join Rovers at the start of the month.
Next up for the Gas is a trip to Barrow on 4th January, with a nine-day break until the next game, which is a round of 16 tie against Plymouth Argyle in the Vertu Trophy.
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