Bristol City transfers: Ex-Chelsea, Fulham & Middlesbrough star lands new club after Robins exit

Tomas Kalas’ future has now been decided after signing for a new club following his departure from Bristol City.

The 30-year-old had been offered a new contract albeit on reduced terms by the Robins, but talks met an impasse.

He did not report back to the High Performance Centre for pre-season, and was not a part of their tour in Austria, or their pre-season fixtures.

He remained local to the area, and was in attendance for Bristol City’s opening day draw with Preston North End at Ashton Gate.

The Czech Republic international though has now signed with German second division outfit FC Schalke, and has signed a two-year contract.

Upon his his arrival, he said: “After my time at Bristol City, I consciously took the time to see exactly where I could take the next step in my career and which club I could do the best with have feeling.”

Schalke were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, and he was revealed as a new player for the Die Knappen on Saturday. He could make his debut against Wehen Wiesbaden next Saturday.

He added: “It’s a huge honor for me that Schalke contacted me. I didn’t have to think long, I’ll do whatever it takes to get the club back to where it belongs."

Kalas has already had experience of German football albeit only a short amount. He spent part of the the 2014/15 season on loan from Chelsea at 1.FC Koln, before joining Middlesbrough.

His departure from City brings to an end a five-year association with the club. He made a total of 155 appearances and scored one goal.

Kalas is the club’s most expensive player in their history having joined on a permanent deal from Chelsea in 2019.

Kalas was one of three high-profile departures that left he club this summer on a free transfer. His former Chelsea teammate Jay Dasilva joined Coventry City, meanwhile Han-Noah Massengo remains without a club, but reportedly held talks with Trabzonspor and Celta Vigo earlier in the transfer window.