The 23-year-old centre-back will officially join the Robins on 1st July following the expiry of his contract with Oxford United, subject to EFL approval.
Negru spent three-and-a-half years with Oxford, making 21 appearances as the club progressed from League One to the Championship. During that time he gained valuable experience through loan spells at Salford City, Bristol Rovers and Tranmere Rovers.
His most productive spell came at Salford, where he made 32 appearances during the 2024/25 season as the Ammies narrowly missed out on the League Two play-offs. Last season he split his time between Bristol Rovers and Tranmere, helping the latter secure their Football League status.
Before moving to England, Negru came through the academy at Irish side Shelbourne and made nine senior appearances before earning his move across the Irish Sea.
A Moldova international, Negru has already made his senior debut for his country and, at just 23, has plenty of time to build on his international experience in the years ahead.
Speaking after completing the move, he said:
“I’m excited and happy to get it done and over the line, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.
“I’ve played against Swindon multiple times, and I’m looking forward to playing in front of these fans and showing them what I’m capable of doing. Hopefully we can achieve something great this season.”
Manager Ian Holloway believes the defender will be a valuable addition to his squad.
“He’s a combative centre-back who is also very comfortable on the ball,” Holloway said.
“Although he is right-footed, he can play centrally, on the right side, or on the left side of defence. He’s excellent in the air, communicates well and can organise and lead the defensive line.
“He’s played a lot of games for someone of his age and is very mature. He’ll be a great asset to our backline.”
The move is likely to attract additional attention given Negru’s arrival from Oxford United, one of Swindon’s fiercest rivals.
Swindon24 sports reporter Ian Howard believes supporters should be encouraged by the signing.
“Any signing from Oxford United is bound to catch the eye of Swindon supporters, but this looks like a deal that should be judged on footballing merit rather than rivalry,” he said.
“At 23, Negru fits the profile Ian Holloway has targeted this summer, young enough to improve, but experienced enough to contribute immediately.
“People should not overlook the fact that he is already a Moldova international. While he has only made one senior appearance so far, international football is an achievement in itself and he is young enough to add significantly to that tally.
“That experience can only benefit his development, and Swindon stand to gain from it. If he can reproduce the form he showed at Salford and Tranmere, this could prove to be one of the more astute signings of the summer.”
Negru becomes the latest addition to Holloway’s rebuilding squad as the Robins prepare for the 2026/27 League Two campaign.
