The bargain free agent signings Bristol City can still make after deadline - including ex-Leeds & Rangers gems
Bristol City could still delve into the market to sign a series of out-of-contract stars
Bristol City have enjoyed a fairly productive first transfer window under new boss Gerhard Struber which could ultimately stand them in good stead for yet another play-off push.
The Robins signed Preston North End forward Emil Riis on a free transfer earlier in the window and are already seeing the benefits of the striker, who scored 12 last season after his brace against Hull City. They’ve also bolstered the midfield options with Adam Randell and have two new goalkeepers in loanee Radem Vitek and Joe Lumley after Max O’Leary’s injury setback in pre-season. Yu Hirakawa loan move became permanent from the J league after last season while there’s also a new name in the full-back position after Neto Borges late loan move from high-flying Middlesbrough.
City appear on the whole to have strengthened the group this summer and showed great resolve to retain the services of star defender Zak Vyner after a late push from Wrexham. Keeping the defender could well prove to be a season-defining decision on deadline day. But while the threat of players leaving has now passed, there’s still a small window of opportunity for clubs to sign free agents.
With that in mind, we take a look at who is still available as the Ashton Gate side aim to assemble a team that can compete at the upper echelons of the division this term.
Free agents from the Championship Bristol City could target
Stuart Armstrong, a one-time fan favourite for Southampton and Celtic, finds himself without a club this summer. The midfielder played for Sheffield Wednesday towards the end of last season but didn’t agree to extend his stay after making 12 appearances for the South Yorkshire club. The same also applies to ex-Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore. He impressed at Premier League level when he first joined the Black Cats in 2013 before spending time at both Middlesbrough and Millwall in the second tier. He’s aged 31 and can play all across the front three. He scored five times in 26 appearances in the capital last term.
Kemar Roofe, formerly of Leeds, is searching for a new club. He initially was a huge hit at Rangers but had a nightmare with injuries during his final two seasons. Roofe briefly played for Derby County last term but opted against extending his stay after failing to score in three appearances. Other names on the market include ex-Newcastle midfielders Jeff Hendrick and Jack Colback along with former Luton man Dan Potts and Onel Hernandez formerly of Norwich City.
Free agents from the Premier League that are still available
Nathan Redmond and Jonjo Shelvey were both released from Burnley after their promotion last season and are searching for new destinations to continue their careers. Redmond has been linked with a move back to former club Birmingham City and has won promotion in the past with Norwich City. Meanwhile, Shelvey won promotion with Newcastle United in 2017 and was a real stalwart for the North East club before unsuccessful spells with Nottingham Forest and Turkey.
Long-serving Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford, who has a record of 69 goals in 217 appearances at Championship level, is also seeking a new challenge after his contract with the Elland Road outfit was terminated. Craig Dawson, formerly of West Brom and Wolves, could offer tons of experience to a Championship back line at 35 while Fraser Forster, Michail Antonio and Joel Ward are also thought to be seeking new challenges.