Former Bristol City misfit and ex-£25m Crystal Palace star returns to Championship after sealing free transfer move

Former Bristol City winger Yannick Bolasie has made a return to the Championship.

The 34-year-old, who spent one season at Ashton Gate, has joined Robins rivals Swansea on a free transfer. The 50-times capped Dr Congo international has moved to the Liberty Stadium on a short-term contract, following his release by Turkish outfit Çaykur Rizespor in the summer.

Bolasie last played in England in 2021, during a loan spell at Middlesbrough from Everton, who paid £25m for the player in 2016.

The speedster joined Bristol City from Plymouth for an undisclosed fee in 2011. However, he handed in a transfer request just a year later, stating he wished to be closer to London. Bolaise scored one goal in 25 Championship appearances for the Robins before the club sanctioned a move to Crystal Palace - also for an undisclosed fee.

It was at Selhurst Park where the wideman excelled and earned a big-money move to Everton. However, his time at Goodison was hampered by injury and he made just 29 appearances for the Toffees.

Swansea currently sit 17th in the Championship table, following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Hull. Michael Duff’s side are five points and six places behind City, who beat the Swans 2-1 back in September.

Bolaise’s deal is originally for two months. It remains to be seen if he will still be around when Swansea travel to Ashton Gate on March 10, 2024. His first game could be against Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night.