Bristol City have a big few months in store ahead of them with the summer transfer window coming at a crucial point in Nigel Pearson’s tenure.
The 59-year-old is keen to do business early and the Robins already have an idea of how many players are needed and where. Centre-back is the priority because of the lack of depth, but interestingly midfield is somewhere that could be looked at.
City haven’t really got an issue with their attacking players scoring but Pearson wants his midfielders to score. Andi Weimann is his highest-scoring midfielder with six but he’s played in several attacking roles this season. He hasn’t had the same season as last year where he played in the ten role behind Chris Martin and Antoine Semenyo, partly down to injury and a change in shape.
Alex Scott’s got just two goals this campaign but has five assists this year. Scott is tied with Joe Williams on two but then Andy King, Kal Naismith, and Matty James are without a goal.
Scott could be departing Ashton Gate this summer if one of the dozen Premier League clubs meets his valuation. It’s important then that if any money is available that they reinvest it in a player that can try and replace him or compliment him should he stay.
Technical director Brian Tinnion stated in March that up to four new players could join, and he did give a hint that they could come from League One which would follow what they’ve been doing for the last few summers. Anis Mehemti joined from Wycombe in January, whilst Mark Sykes and Rob Atkinson made the move from Oxford in Pearson’s first full season.
Here we take a look at some goal-scoring midfielders from League One this season that could be under consideration.
1. Finn Azaz (Aston Villa, on loan at Plymouth Argyle)
Finn Azaz absolutely fits the bill. He signed a new contract before joining Plymouth but it’s unsure how long. Azaz has nine assists and seven goals this season. At just 22-years-old he’s a young and hungry player. He’d be a good Scott replacement if sold. Photo: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
2. Adam Phillips (Barnsley)
Phillips was at both Liverpool and Norwich, and later Burnley but never made a senior appearance for any of them. For the first time in his career though, he’s found a home and with nine goals and six assists, he’d be a good option. He’s under contract at Barnsley until 2025. Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
3. Jensen Weir (Brighton, on loan at Morecambe)
This could be a real coup… He’s out of contract at the end of the season and already had Championship experience with Wigan. Weir’s on loan at Morecambe and has nine goals and two assists this year. It might be a bit difficult to tempt him away from Brighton though when his dad David is technical director, though no talk of a new deal has surfaced yet. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
4. Lewis Wing (Wycombe Wanderers)
Hello Wycombe, it’s Bristol City again… After signing Mehmeti, could the Robins also sign Wing? He’s wanted by six Championship clubs after his performances this year with eight goals and four assists. Wing turns 28 this summer but some Championship experience would be useful. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images