The domino effect Cameron Pring’s new contract could have on Bristol City squad

Bristol City today announced that they would be extending the contract of versatile defender Cameron Pring for a further year which will extend his stay until 2024.

His initial deal was due to run out in the summer of 2023 but an extra year has been added to his contract. It is a sign that the club has a trust in developing talent as has been the case this season.

The Robins have been patient with the development of the youngster who has been contracted to the club since 2016.

And this has been a breakthrough season for the Cheltenham-born defender who has already played for eight clubs.

With his 24th birthday fastly approaching, Pring is a player who doesn’t necessarily fall into the category of an up and comer.

Instead he’s had to do his graft in the non-leagues before working his way up the metaphoric ladder in football, making it a later start than some players who already have a vast amount of experience in senior level football.

Pring though has barely looked out of place when called upon this season and his extension is the example of the progress he has made, whilst a reward for his patience.

Many fans will be happy that a player like Pring has been kept at the club but after his new deal was announced, there is now a thoughts process in how it could affect other players.

Could Pring’s deal affect January transfer plans?

This new deal isn’t expected to be one where the wages have increased massively so City haven’t broken the bank to the extent they can’t manoeuvre in the transfer market.

Early window rumours have seen the club linked with moves for Swansea City’s Jake Bidwell as well as Middlesbrough’s Neil Taylor, whilst Wimbledon defender Nesta Guinness-Walker was also spoken about.

All three can play in Pring’s most recent role as left-back so the deal perhaps put to bed any interest in a left-sided full back.

What it does show however is that this could be a quiet month ahead for the club in terms of incomings and instead a period in which the emphasis is put on tying down players to new deals.

In November, Tyreeq Bakinson’s contract was extended by a further year, so already the wheels have been in motion to retain their players.

The next deal on the agenda will be to keep Han-Noah Massengo at the club as they try to fend off interest from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg.

What about the other players who could play in his role?

Pring’s new deal highlights that for at least the next two years and that could mean he’s the player that the club move forward with in the left wing-back role. This news could have an affect on those who are battling with him in that position

There has already been talks this month about the possibility of Jay Dasilva departing, at least on a temporary basis,

Dailva was the favoured left-back at the start of the season but has since fallen out of favour and has not played since the defeat to Coventry City in October.

He has been on the bench but given the nature of the games, he hasn’t been called upon to either see out a game or go and win it. It is why a departure in January would be likely if a could deal is put on the table.

Another player to consider is Callum O’Dowda who was tried in a left wing-back role in the draw against Blackburn.

Pring has worked with O’Dowda with the Irishman playing a further role, whilst also against him for the same spot, so it could be a case of just ensuring City have some depth in that role.

Is anyone else set for a new contract?

Han-Noah Massengo’s contract is up in June 2023 and City won’t want to be in the position next year in which clubs from abroad can talk about taking him on a Bosman deal.

Positive talks have been held though and it has been confirmed that the club have begun contract talks with the French youngster.

This is the news that all City fans will have wanted to have heard as keeping one of their gems is very important given his role to the team.

The last two players still had a season to run in their contracts before their extensions so it seems City’s priority is on players who they want to keep past the next 18 months.

There will be the need for some discussions though about the future of some players whose contracts expire this summer.

Callum O’Dowda, Chris Martin, Andy King and Danny Simpson all see their deals expire though the first two have options on their contracts that can be extended by the club.