Bristol Rovers has exciting news for fans as they officially announce the acquisition of Dutch forward Mees Rijks from Norwegian club Vålerenga Fotball, although the specific transfer fee remains undisclosed.
Rijks, who plays as a striker, has signed a contract that extends until 2028, with an option for an additional year. He will proudly don the No. 35 jersey, representing the blue-and-white colors of the club.
At just 22 years old, Mees becomes the sixth addition to Bristol Rovers during the January transfer window, following fellow recruits Ryan De Havilland, Kofi Balmer, Kane Thompson-Sommers, Riley Harbottle, and Yusuf Akhimrich, all of whom have recently joined the team at The Memorial Stadium.
"Being here at Bristol Rovers feels amazing," Rijks expressed in his first comments as a player for the club. "Choosing to come here was straightforward for me. I have a deep appreciation for English football; Bristol is a vibrant city, and Rovers is a club steeped in rich history. The passion surrounding this club resonates with me greatly.
"After discussing with the manager, it’s clear there’s a well-defined vision for the team and what is required from me. I feel prepared and am genuinely excited to get started."
Head Coach Steve Evans warmly welcomed Rijks into the squad, stating: "We are thrilled to have Mees Rijks join us. He possesses both talent and physicality, combined with a natural instinct for scoring goals, effective off-the-ball movement, and the determination needed to make a quick impact.
"His positive attitude will surely resonate with our fans right away due to his tenacity and effort on the pitch. I look forward to aiding his development as he becomes an integral part of our team."
Ricky Martin, the Director of Football, commented on the signing, saying: "We are delighted to bring Mees Rijks to Bristol Rovers. His move here is a testament to the tireless efforts of our scouting and recruitment teams. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in identifying and securing Mees’ signature.
"In addition to being a skilled forward with a keen goal-scoring ability, he is a likable and coachable young talent, exhibiting significant potential for growth and improvement. I am eager to witness his development with us at Bristol Rovers."
Mees Rijks was born in Amstelveen in March 2003. As a youth player, he represented FC Abcoude and Amsterdamsche FC before advancing to the FC Utrecht academy. At just 16 years of age, he signed his first professional contract and made his debut with the reserve team in the Eerste Divisie in March 2021.
His impressive performances with Jong FC Utrecht led to his senior debut as a substitute in the Eredivisie against PSV Eindhoven in March 2022. In February 2024, he transferred to Vålerenga Fotball in Norway, where he netted 15 goals across all competitions, including an outstanding four goals in an 8-0 victory over Sandnes Ulf, playing a crucial role in helping the team gain promotion back to the Eliteserien at the first attempt.
In 2025, Rijks made 14 appearances in Norway's top division before moving to De Graafschap, where he participated in five matches in the Dutch second tier.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to extend a warm welcome to Mees Rijks, wishing him great success as he embarks on this exciting chapter of his career with the Gas.
