‘He either takes it or leaves it’ - Nigel Pearson issues ultimatum to Han-Noah Massengo

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has revealed that Han-Noah Massengo’s lack of commitment to a new deal has played a part in his team selection over the last few weeks.

The 20-year-old has one year left on his current deal at the Robins and a new contract was offered to the midfielder back in January.

Talks have stagnated however with no public statement of negotiations progressing which has left the Frenchman with an uncertain future at Ashton Gate.

As a result, his place in the side hasn’t been so secure with Joe Williams, Matty James and Alex Scott preferred ahead of him when Pearson has named his starting 11.

“I don’t really give it an awful lot of thought because my perspective on it is what he has been offered is what he has been offered,” said Pearson when asked if he was hopeful Massengo would re-sign.

“He either takes it or leaves it.

“If he decides not to sign it then it is in our interests to get us as much money for him. It’s not about individuals or agendas and he’s a lovely lad. He’s played really well for us, he’s very committed and I don’t have a problem with him at all.

“There doesn’t have to be a time limit on it but there needs to be clarity of what the situation means to us. Hopefully, he does re-sign but if he doesn’t then we’ll look elsewhere because we have to.”

Whilst no time frame has been placed upon Massengo to sign a new deal, there is a desire from the City boss to know where they stand.

Should he want to depart the club then they can prepare to source a replacement with the money they would hope to recoup from his potential sale with plenty of reported suitors.

But should he want to remain in B36 then there is a belief that they can improve a player that came as highly coveted when he arrived.

There is a keen desire from Pearson personally to avoid a repeat of what happened with Famara Diedhiou, who eventually left the club on a free transfer following a stagnation of contract talks.

Pearson said: “I don’t think it is in anybody’s interest for it to drag on and on because everyone needs a bit of clarity.

“If he’s here then I am delighted, he’s a super lad to have around the place. He’s a decent player, he’s got room to improve even more.

“What I can’t do is answer the question on his behalf. I can only answer in what is the best outcome for us.

“Because players who run the clock down, we’ve invested a lot of time, energy, and money in his development.”

As City finish their campaign at Huddersfield Town on Saturday though, there has been one eye on next season in Pearson’s team selections and already talks have been held with players over their long-term future, including those in and out of contract.

Systems have been tried whilst game time has been given to those committed to the cause for the next campaign but as a result of a lack of movement in contract talks, he has found starts hard to come by.

In recent months, he has been in and out of the side and was an unused substitute in the last home match of the season against Hull City. In the last ten matches, he has started just three of them whilst being fully fit with the rest being substitute appearances.

His attitude hasn’t been questioned and it is well documented that he is a positive influence amongst players of a similar age, but there is a separation between the relationship the pair have and the contribution to the team.

‘I have to detach myself from being a great guy and what is right for us,” said Pearson who was asked about Massengo’s humility off the pitch.

“He knows that and we have had conversations over the last few weeks.

“I’ve been very open with him that if he isn’t committing his long-term future he can’t expect to start either.

“He accepts that because the team is more important than individuals.”