Bristol City star could leave in January as Nigel Pearson makes key admission

Nigel Pearson has admitted that Han-Noah Massengo may depart Bristol City in the January transfer window amid an ‘uncertain’ future at Ashton Gate. The 21-year-old’s out of contract and his long-term future seemingly lies away from the Robins.

Massengo finished the World Cup break as an unused substitute against Watford, which was his first involvement in a match-day squad since October. He has been seen training once again with the first-team and scored in an intra-squad match at the High Performance Centre.

The French midfielder had played numerous games for the Under-21’s after finding himself out of favour with the senior team. He played in numerous matches and has helped them hold their position at the top-of-the-table.

Despite a 28-day break for the World Cup, Alex Hines’ team continued during the international period, but Massengo was afforded a break, unlike his youth teammates. He returned to the HPC and from videos posted by the club, looks to be ready for a return.

Massengo, who’s message to Pearson was that he is ready to be called upon when needed, has remained in the first-team picture, but has found opportunities limited as a result of a stalemate on his contract. The lack of commitment has meant the likes of Dylan Kadji and Andy King have been preferred ahead of him, though it has not changed the way Pearson perceives Massengo.

“He’s never not been involved with the first team,” Pearson stated. “It’s just a case of if we’ve got the right numbers he’s not in the position that he was last year.

“His future remains uncertain of course but he’s been absolutely no trouble at all. He trains really well and he’s a great lad. There’s nothing sinister going on, it’s just a case of who’s available, players who are here for the long haul will probably get the nod ahead of him.”

Massengo has featured in eight matches this season, starting a run of games in the earlier part of the campaign, before being withdrawn from the first-team fold. He has not played a Championship game since featuring in the 3-0 defeat to Birmingham City on October 8, he would miss out on eight-match day squads.

There was speculation in the summer about a move back to France with Nice linked, however nothing come of their reported interest. The January transfer window opens in less than a month and there could be an opportunity for him to depart, should a club act on interest. He is out of contract at the end of the season, and with City needing to get players off of their books to do business, a departure could work for both parties.

Pearson added: “I trust him in the sense that I know that if he’s required, he will do a good job for us. He continues to train very, very well and so he’s just being professional about it.

“He’ll never be shunned by us because he’s a player who we respect and still need but of course, there is a possibility something might happen in January with him. We’ll see.”