Bryant Bilongo's first words as Bristol Rovers confirm fifth summer arrival from Middlesbrough

Bryant Bilongo has insisted it "means a lot to sign for Bristol Rovers" after the Gas confirmed the left-back as their fifth summer arrival from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee, subject to EFL and FA ratification.

Signing a two-year deal at the Mem with the option of a further season, the 22-year-old made 12 appearances in the National League while on loan at Ebbsfleet United in the second half of last campaign. The defender had previously been on loan at Woking for a month of the 2022/23 season.

A regular for Boro's under-21s since his arrival from Kingstonian in January 2022, Bilongo made one first team appearance for Middlesbrough against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup two seasons ago.

Speaking to Rovers' club media, the left-back said: "It means a lot to sign for Bristol Rovers. My career has been such a journey so far and to continue it by signing for such a big club like Rovers is amazing for me and my family. It’s a big achievement and this is a challenge I’m looking forward to.

“It’s been amazing to come here and see the facilities, and get an idea of where I’m going to be working going forward. This is my new home and I’m excited to be here.

“I intend to enjoy being a Rovers player to the fullest. I love it all. I love seeing and meeting fans, and everything about football. I am still, at my core, a massive football fan. This is a sport and it’s also entertainment, and I like being able to make the fans smile. I hope I can do that and give them plenty to smile and sing about.”

Prior to joining Boro, Bilongo came through the youth ranks at AFC Wimbledon before moving to non-league side Hanworth Villa, breaking into their first team and playing 10 times.

A move to Ismithian League Premier Division side Kingstonian in June 2021 followed before soon making the step up to Middlesbrough amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

On the 22-year-old's arrival, Matt Taylor added: "I am happy to welcome Bryant to Bristol Rovers. Bryant is a young defender who has shown his ability on loan in the National League in the last few months, and I am looking forward to working with him in the coming season.

“At 22, Bryant is still developing and I believe his best years could be here with us at Bristol Rovers.”

Bilongo becomes Rovers' fifth addition of the summer alongside midfielder Isaac Hutchinson, left-back Clinton Mola, forward Ruel Sotiriou and defender Dan Ellison.