Bristol City’s summer transfer window: where things lie, outgoings, incomings and how it’s going

Bristol City have been one of the most active clubs in the Championship to date, with plenty of incoming summer transfer window business completed ahead of pre-season.

With three new arrivals and the future of Timm Klose all wrapped up, the Robins can now look ahead to recruiting a defensive midfielder, with Nigel Pearson admitting previously that the club is currently lacking one.

Indeed, no club in the second tier team has made more than City’s three incomings at the time of writing (except Cardiff City), to highlight how proactive the Ashton Gate side have been.

Here’s a round-up of where we see the club currently, as regards building their squad for the 2022/23 season.

What’s next for Bristol City on the incoming front?

BristolWorld understands that the Robins have spoken to several possible out-of-contract central midfield recruits about coming to Ashton Gate.

There is interest in former City midfielder Marlon Pack although that is deemed unlikely currently, though it might be resurrected further down the line if other offers did not land.

Pack is understood to be one of several players of interest to Derby County, for example, who are waiting to see if Chris Kirchener’s takeover will go through at Pride Park.

However, Nigel Pearson’s sides have other irons in the fire too.

The club are still to hear from centre-back Robbie Cundy, although the former Bath City man is likely to sign fresh terms at Ashton Gate - despite several good offers from elsewhere.

Outgoings too

And attention will turn to outgoings as well, with Kasey Palmer close to finalising a deal to join Coventry City. As reported recently, the attacking midfielder was always due to have a medical with the Sky Blues this week once he returns from holiday.

That will free up vital funds for the West Country outfit, with the Robins set to make a substantial saving of more than £1m just by having Palmer’s wages off the books.

Taylor Moore and Zak Vyner are highly likely to depart for new clubs later this summer too, while Tyreeq Bakinson’s future needs resolving too.

Sources at Bristol City have played down the chances of senior players Tomas Kalas, Dan Bentley or Nahki Wells departing for knockdown fees or even free transfers at the end of the summer.

There is no confirmation on the status of senior central defender Nathan Baker just yet.

How it’s going?

Very well. There has not been much money spent, other than on wages and small training compensation payable to Forest Green Rovers, but the club’s business is recognised by many as being very sound:

- Mark Sykes: a free transfer and versatile player with several standout attributes

- Kal Naismith: Luton Town’s player of the year from last year, and undoubtedly a top defensive reinforcement

- Kane Wilson: Player of the Year for League Two. We don’t see him being another Sammie Szmodics. Many experts believe Wilson to be one of the best wing-backs/full-backs outside the Premier League

Add to that another year of Klose and the Robins have reinforced well so far.

No big sales to date, and we think there’s a good chance to see key man Antoine Semenyo stay in BS3 this summer.

There is more to do, and two and a half months yet to do it, but the club needed a big summer and so far they’re off to a very good start.