Shrewsbury Town are reportedly close to signing former Bristol Rovers right-back Luca Hoole on a free transfer.
The 22-year old full back’s contract expired in the summer with The Gas, and according to the Shropshire Star, a deal for the defender is reportedly close. If a deal was to come off the defender would be The Salop’s 6th summer signing of the window.
Who is Luca Hoole?
The defender came through the ranks at Bristol Rovers and has been a part of the club since 2013 rising through all of their age groups. In 2020 the defender had a loan spell away from The Memorial Stadium joining Taunton Town on a one-month loan deal.
He was part of the squad that helped Bristol Rovers get a promotion in rather dramatic fashion from Sky Bet League Two when they beat Scunthorpe United 7-0, although he was not in the squad that day he had played the previous 19 games.
In total, the Welsh U21 international played over 100 games for Bristol Rovers, with 60 being in League One, 29 in League Two, and the rest being over the various cup competitions.
How did Luca perform last season?
Last season the defender made a total of 23 appearances in League One with 14 of those being starts as The Gas finished in 15th place. The full-back had a poor output going forward last season but did boast solid defensive numbers.
Winning 71.9% of his tackles (1.54 per 90), as well as winning 2.08 aerial duels per 90 minutes in the league last season.
What is the full-back situation at Shrewsbury?
Currently, The Salop do not have a natural right full-back contracted to the club after Tummise Sobowale joined League Two side Swindon Town, and with manager Paul Hurst playing with wing-backs it is vitally important that recruitment is done in these areas. While Hoole, may not produce the best in terms of output attacking-wise, he is solid defensively which Hurst will be hoping sures up a defence which conceded 67 goals last season.
Hoole is also capable of playing at centre-back, especially on the right-hand side of a three, which could potentially give Hurst more options if his squad is stretched through injuries.