Isaac Hutchinson’s first words as Walsall midfielder become Bristol Rovers’ first summer signing

Isaac Hutchinson said everything at Bristol Rovers is “positioned around forward movement” after the 24-year-old midfielder became Gas’ first signing of the summer transfer window.

Joining on a three-year deal with the option of an additional season from Walsall, Hutchinson is an exciting addition to Matt Taylor’s side after the midfielder registered 27 goal contributions in 53 appearances for the Saddlers last season. The 24-year-old has also played in all 46 League Two games.

Over two seasons, the 24-year-old has made 106 appearances for Walsall and in that time has scored 23 goals and registered 19 assists and is clearly relishing the challenge of making the step up to League One.

“I’m very happy to be here at Bristol Rovers,” Hutchinson told the Rovers club press. “I’ve had really good conversations with the manager and everyone at the club and I’m delighted to be joining.

“I always knew Bristol Rovers were a big club. We’ve played at Memorial Stadium before and the home fans always create an incredible atmosphere. Things like this, as well as the conversations we had, made it clear to me that the club is moving up.

“Everything here is positioned around advancement, improvement across the board, and it’s exciting to join the club and be a part of it.”

A product of Brighton and Hove Albion’s youth system, the Eastbourne-born playmaker joined Walsall from Derby County in 2022, where he made four senior appearances for the Rams. He also spent some time in the South West playing on loan at Forest Green Rovers in the second half of the 2020/21 season. Hutchinson also had a loan spell at Crawley Town the following campaign before swapping the East Midlands for the West permanently two summers ago.

As for the fee, it is still unclear what Rovers will pay the Saddlers for Hutchinson’s services, but the midfielder still had a year left on his contract at the Bescot Stadium.

The 24-year-old is expected to be the first of a number of signings at Mem this summer, with Taylor looking to mold his squad in his own image, particularly after the departure of 13 players at the end of last season.

On the signing of the highly-rated midfielder, the Rovers manager said: “We are delighted to bring Isaac to Bristol Rovers. Isaac has proven his ability over the last two seasons with Walsall and, at 24, has further to go in terms of his development.

“Isaac will bring even more energy and passion to our midfield and I look forward to working closely with him next season and beyond.”