Nigel Pearson’s first transfer window in charge of Bristol City had one aim, to reduce the squad and trim the wage bill after the club felt the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There was a reasonable overhaul of the squad as what was to come would be a massive loss of up to £40m, with the club losing a reported £412,000 a week according to the Daily Telegraph.
He was still able to bring in four players of his own with fees exchanged for both George Tanner and Robert Atkinson, though his success rate has been more miss than hit when bringing in players from outside the club.
Instead, the success this season has been bringing through young players such as Alex Scott, Ayman Benarous and Cameron Pring, whilst building on the talent of Antoine Semenyo.
Given there was so much movement in the summer, there wasn’t much to expect in January with only Timm Klose, who was a free agent at the time being their only addition.
The only key departure proved to be Tyreeq Bakinson, who despite signing a new deal in November, was allowed to leave on loan for Ipswich Town after falling out of favour, with Pearson unhappy with how he reacted.
With a total of 19 players allowed to leave in the summer with most being allowed to leave on a free transfer, some have performed better than others.
Here is how they have fared since leaving Ashton Gate Stadium and seeking pastures new with some having some success, others finding their feet and one even calling time on his playing career.
1. Hakeeb Adelakun
Allowed to leave on a free transfer after the expiration of his three-year deal after joining from Scunthorpe United, winger Adelakun joined League One outfit Lincoln City. He has already played more games for the Imps than he has done in the three seasons that he spent at Bristol City. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
2. Aden Baldwin
Came through the academy system at Forest Green but was signed in January 2016. He spent multiple loans at Weston-super-Mare, as well as Cheltenham and Eastleigh but didn’t make an appearance. He was signed by Russell Martin, but he left for Swansea, so has only made nine appearances for his new club. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
3. Famara Diedhiou
After multiple attempts to get him to sign a new deal, Famara Diedhiou left Ashton Gate on a free transfer. The 29-year-old joined Turkish side Alanyaspor where he has eight goals. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal earlier this month. Photo: Seyllou/AFAP via Getty images
4. Opi Edwards
Made his debut in the FA Cup in 2018 under Lee Johnson but didn’t play a league match until November 2020 under Dean Holden, played four times last season. He was released and joined Forest Green Rovers on a one-year deal but yet to play in League Two. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images