Steve Evans' Bristol Rovers claim might end £500k flop's nightmare | OneFootball

Steve Evans and Bristol Rovers exploring options as Promise Omochere set to miss start of EFL season

Bristol Rovers will begin their 2026-27 campaign when they entertain Peterborough United in the League Cup this weekend, but there will be one key absence from the squad with record signing Promise Omochere once again set to miss out with injury.

The 25-year-old forward has been confirmed by Steve Evans to have suffered a calf injury in pre-season, with Evans sharing that he expects Omochere to be missing for three to four weeks.

The Bristol Rovers manager has shown strong intent during the summer transfer window so far and has not ruled out further additions “up top”.

Omochere signed for Bristol Rovers in 2024 for a fee believed to be around £500,000, making him Bristol Rovers’ record signing but has missed more game time than he has managed to complete. The Irishman's stay at the Gas has been plagued with injuries and may be best categorised as several false starts and premature returns.

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In his first season, Omochere suffered a string of frustrating injuries including an ankle problem, a broken hand, and a torn hamstring, with then Rovers manager Matt Taylor at one point even suggesting the forward had returned to action too early. A second hamstring injury later ruled him out for the rest of the season.

It was a much similar story for his second season as, again, the talented forward was plagued by injuries. Forced off twice in the first couple of months of the season, Omochere would suffer injuries that would continue to rule him out.

A goalscoring return in April 2026 did show a rare glimpse of what he could do and a delighted Omochere didn't shy away from expressing his own frustrations about his time on the sidelines.

After scoring against Tranmere Rovers following a prolonged period on the sidelines, he told BRTV just how much it meant to him: "I’m feeling really good. Really, really good. Obviously, it has been a difficult few months. Just a difficult time in general. I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is and has been for me. Obviously, coming in with a lot of expectation and feeling like I’d just fallen short. It’s days like today that are the reason why I play football."

Omochere has always demonstrated his abilities when he's made the team. Whether that's with his holdup play or his ability to strike the ball on the half-turn. And while signed as a forward, the Irishman has shown his versatility too, finding himself covering wide areas.

Steve Evans says Bristol Rovers still exploring options “up top”

Speaking in pre-season when asked by BBC Radio Bristol where he was still looking to make additions, Evans indicated he was still exploring forward options. Saying: "We’re still looking at midfield, we’re still looking at wider areas and maybe up top, who knows?!"

New additions are imminent and Rovers already have good depth up front. But it is likely that this will be an area Evans and Raynor will want to shore up with more injuries seemingly a high risk.

Fabrizio Cavegn is staking his claim to be Rovers’ main marksman, while Joe Quiqley (pictured) also impressed many at the back end of last season. Maes Rees also came into the attack last season to support the young Ollie Dewsbury, who looks set for a Bristol Rovers exit this summer.

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Evans' claim then that Rovers could still make additions up top may put an end to Omochere’s horrific spell at Rovers. Though England Cricket fans might point to Jofra Archer as an example of how an injury-prone star can overcome repeated setbacks to then perform consistently at their highest level – particularly when supported by his employer.

But football is, of course, very different, and time may already be running out. Any hopes of selling the forward and recouping even a portion of that record transfer fee are fading with every game he misses. As things stand, it's difficult to view that deal as anything other than one of the Pirates' biggest ever transfer flops. However, Omochere will no doubt be determined to prove his doubters wrong and finally justify the club's investment.