Bristol Rovers have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Everton centre-back Lewis Gibson on a season-long loan, the Gas announced on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who has been capped by England at under-17, under-18 and under-20 level, has been reunited with Joey Barton after a loan spell at Fleetwood Town in 2020, when the Cod Army reached the League One play-offs.
Gibson has also had stints with Championship side Reading and with Sheffield Wednesday in League One in the past two seasons.
Gibson told the club's website: “I’m delighted to sign for Bristol Rovers. It’s a huge club and last season’s promotion looked amazing so I couldn’t wait to join a club on the up.”
Barton's options in defence have been thinned this summer with Nick Anderton's cancer diagnosis, new signing James Gibbons suffering a stress fracture in his foot and last season's loan hero Connor Taylor earning a place in Stoke City's first team, but Gibson's arrival is welcome. As a left-footer who is proficient in possession, he opens up new tactical options for the manager.
“Lewis is a top young player who we know well from his loan spell with us at Fleetwood," Barton said. "He’s an excellent footballer and a really strong addition to our squad.
"We look forward to having his quality, experience and character to add to our group."
Gibson becomes Rovers' sixth summer signing, following Gibbons, Jordan Rossiter, James Connolly, John Marquis and Lewis Gordon to the Mem.
The 22-year-old came through the youth setup at Newcastle United before joining Everton in 2017 for a seven-gure sum. He is yet to make his first-team debut for the Toffees, but has played extensively for the club's under-23s squad.
He was limited to just six appearances for Wednesday last season due to injury issues.
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