Bristol Rovers have confirmed the loan signing of midfielder Alfie Chang from Birmingham City and loan exit of Isaac Hutchinson to Cheltenham Town
Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter
20:48, 01 Sep 2025Updated 20:48, 01 Sep 2025
Bristol Rovers have signed midfielder Alfie Chang on loan from Birmingham City(Image: Bristol Rovers FC)
Bristol Rovers have confirmed their fourth loan signing of deadline day, bringing in midfielder Alfie Chang on a season-long loan from Birmingham City. Meanwhile, Isaac Hutchinson has left the Gas for League Two rivals Cheltenham Town on loan.
Chang becomes Rovers’ 14th signing of the summer and arrives in north Bristol with experience of the fourth tier having spent the second half of last season on loan at Walsall.
The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Blues and has made a total of 22 appearances for the first team.
Speaking to club media, Chang said: “I’m really pleased and really happy to be here. I’ve heard a lot of great things and I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s been a chaotic day, but now that I’m here, I’m glad it’s happened. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the people and about the club.
“I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and get started. It’s a great fanbase. I’ve heard a lot of great things. I can’t wait to put the shirt on and fight for the badge.”
Head coach Darrell Clarke added: “Alfie is a talented and composed midfielder who has impressed during his young career so far, and he will bring more quality and competition to our midfield.
“The coaches and I are happy to welcome him to Rovers and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Director of football Ricky Martin continued: “Alfie is someone I’ve monitored personally for several years, and I am excited and pleased to welcome him to the club.
“He is a dynamic and combative centre midfielder who will create significant competition in our midfield. I am looking forward to seeing his progression and development at the Mem in the coming season.”
There is an option to buy in the midfielder’s loan agreement. He joins on deadline day alongside Joel Cotterill, Stephan Negru and Freddie Issaka.
Additionally, Rovers have confirmed the loan exit of Hutchinson to Cheltenham.
The 25-year-old joined from Walsall last summer having enjoyed a prolific campaign in League Two the season prior with 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.
However, he managed a tally of six goals and four assists last term in a difficult first campaign in north Bristol which saw Rovers relegated to League Two.
Despite having two goals to his name already this season, Hutchinson has been subject to criticism from sections of the Gas fanbase after an interview following a 3-1 defeat at Chesterfield in which he stated that “there always is [effort] and to question it is out of order” and that “now is not the time to be divided.”
The attacking midfielder will still have a year left on his deal at Rovers with the option of a further year following the conclusion of his loan spell in Gloucestershire.