The transfer status of every Bristol City player as Nigel Pearson advised to clear out ‘deadwood’

Bristol City fans will hope for a fast ending to the 2021/22 Championship season after they endured another transitional campaign.

The Robins, who have probably put enough points on the board to preserve their second tier status, haven’t had the most exciting of seasons with consistency a major problem.

For a lot of this season, City have had to stick with the same team but have endured some selection issues such a defensive crisis with plenty of players injured.

Centre-back is an area that Nigel Pearson wants to strengthen in but his hands may be tied as the club tries to steer through a difficult period off-the-pitch after recording record losses.

The January transfer window was a quiet one for City but given in the summer there is more time, as well as contracts ending, then there is more space to manoeuvre.

Below we look at every player in the Bristol City first-team squad as well as the ones out on loan and assess whether their future is at Ashton Gate or elsewhere this summer.

Daniel Bentley

A spell out of the side from December to February prompted speculation he may leave but Pearson just wanted to try O’Leary.

Transfer status: Out of contract in 2023 so talks must happen soon as his role as captain has a big bearing on the dressing room.

Jay Dasilva

Has come back into the side after an exile that lasted from October to January, now a player Pearson regularly praises for his performances.

Transfer status: A year left on his contract, should be here next season but a decision for himself to make if he wants to stay.

Robert Atkinson

Signed from Oxford United for a fee last summer, Atkinson has had a satisfactory first season in the Championship but there have been some injury problems.

Transfer status: A new centre-back is on the top of Pearson’s wish list but Atkinson will battle for that spot. Bodes well that he is a Pearson signing.

Matty James

Captain material and a vital player for City’s midfield at the start of the year. If the 30-year-old can stay fit then they will benefit.

Transfer status: Contracted to the club until 2024, so there are no doubts about his future.

Joe Williams

His injuries were a problem for Dean Holden who signed him and for his successor, Nigel Pearson. There is a good player there but there are going to be special measures to manage  player like him.

Transfer status: Worth keeping around but there will be a hope that he can stay injury free next year. I

Chris Martin

The 33-year-old is the most recent player to extend his stay at the club after activating a clause in his current contract. Branded the ‘best defender’ at the club by Pearson, the striker is one of the guaranteed players to be here next season.

Transfer status: Martin’s new contract has all but guaranteed his place in the squad next season.

Andy King

A childhood dream was achieved when King signed for the club he supported as a boy and he even captained them against Fulham.

The 33-year-old though has struggled with injury and suspension and has not played since January after suffering his second hamstring injury of the year.

Transfer status: One of the out of contract players that may not have his contract renewed with other options to explore.

Callum O’Dowda

City playing without wingers has meant the Irishman has had to adapt and he coped at playing at left wing-back to start off but his form dropped off. He has been out with an injury for the past two months.

Transfer status: May be one of the players that City move on given Jay Dasilva has slotted well into the role.

Harvey Wiles-Richards

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has been named as a substitute to either Daniel Bentley or Max O’Leary at times but has yet to come on.

Transfer status: Likely to be kept around as third-choice goalkeeper as he awaits an opportunity in the first-team.

Andreas Weimann

The 30-year-old overcame a serious injury to record his best season, scoring 18 goals and nine assists, with only Aleksandr Mitrovic getting more goal contributions this season.

Transfer status: Contracted to City until 2024 so there is security in his contract, the club couldn’t afford to lose him.

Cameron Pring

At 24-years-old this was a make or break season for Pring who had multiple loan moves. Pring has played 33 times this season and is a regular fixture in the side.

Transfer status: Rather than City activating a year release, he signed a new two-year deal back in January so is all but certain to stay.

Nathan Baker

He was out of contract at the end of last season but towards the end of June he was handed a two-year deal.

Twice this season Baker has suffered serious head injuries, which have ruled him out since late November.

Transfer status: Another year on his contract but health is paramount, City will do what is right with the centre-back.

Antoine Semenyo

A total of 14 goal contributions this year with eight assists and six goals in 25 matches after overcoming an injury, is impressive form for the youngster.

A list of clubs are queuing up for the 22-year-old and he will be one player that could generate a good offer given his age and his form this season.

Transfer status: City will want to keep him but may be powerless to resist a tempting offer.

George Tanner

One of Nigel Pearson’s summer signings, but he has endured a difficult season due to recurring injuries. Played 12 games for the Robins this season but his injuries have meant others flling in his role.

Transfer status: Likely to stay at the club with hopes of staying as close to injury free as possible.

Nahki Wells

Has played second fiddle following the form of Weimann, as well as the partnership of Martin and Semenyo.

Discussed in an interview about the possibility of leaving with the MLS in the United States in mind. Was wanted by Cardiff City

Transfer status: A move away might be in the pipeline if Wells wants to become a regular figure elsewhere. It will depend on whether Semenyo stays though.

Tomas Kalas

One of the more experienced players in the squad and was at one point the club record signing. Has played non stop for the past few years.

Transfer status: The Czech Republic international will likely stay at Ashton Gate but faces an important season next year with his contract running out.

Robbie Cundy

Signed in 2018 but didn’t make his first appearance for the Robins till January, has since gone on to start the last three matches.

Transfer status: A new centre-back is top of the wish list this summer so Cundy faces a difficult task of persuading Pearson otherwise.

Zak Vyner

The 24-year-old has made 19 appearances in the Championship this season, but will make less than what he made last year.

Transfer status: Could be one of the players City let leave given their desire for a new centre-back.

Sam Bell

Tried at full-back most recently, despite starting off his career as a striker. Had mixed success with a good performance against Middlesbrough but exposed against Birmingham City.

Transfer status: In competition with Tommy Conway for that fringe place in the squad, could benefit with a short-term loan.

Ryley Towler

Spent the first part of the season on loan at Grimsby Town, returned in January and endured a difficult time against Millwall. Has not been seen since, owing to an injury.

Transfer status: Time is still on his side, so he could either be an option to fall back on next year or sent out on a short-term loan.

Alex Scott

No longer City’s best kept secret after his brilliant breakout season with four goals and two assists, impressive for an 18-year-old.

Transfer status: Unless a club stumps up an offer that they can’t refuse then City must keep hold of one of their most prized possessions.

Tommy Conway

Made five appearances in the Championship towards the end of last season but this year hasn’t been used, owing mainly to the form of City’s front three.

Transfer status: Likely to be kept around as he hasn’t been sent out on loan and has taken his place amongst the substitutes bench a few times.

Han-Noah Massengo

One of Bristol City’s best young players after joining from Monaco. Endured a few rough patches this season and has had to play regularly with injuries to experienced midfielders.

Transfer status: With a year left on his contract and the need for perhaps one key sale this summer, Massengo is the most likely to leave given the lack of security on his current deal.

Kasey Palmer

The 25-year-old has not played a Championship match for the Robins since October and his last inclusion in a match day squad was against Fulham in early January.

Transfer status:Almost certain to leave but there will be a key decision on whether it’s ripping up his contract or finding a club to take him off them.

Players out on loan

Tyreeq Bakinson

From signing a new contract until 2023 in November to being shipped out on loan to Ipswich Town after Nigel Pearson claimed ‘he didn’t want to be at the club’.

Transfer status: Unless Pearson isn’t here then Bakinson will be one of the players that should move on given their falling out in January.

Taylor Moore

He has spent the whole campaign on loan at Hearts, going in and out of the side. Perhaps not done enough to earn a permanent deal there, which won’t bode well upon his return.

Left City on loan rather than ripping up his contract as there was more security behind leaving temporarily but doesn’t seem to be in the plans moving forward.

Transfer status: With a year still remaining on his contract he signed in 2020, he should be hopeful of another move, probably a loan.

Sam Pearson

Sent out to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in January as they fight for a place in the Scottish Premiership. He was given a spell in the first team last year but has not been seen this year.

Transfer status: Another loan move could be on the cards for the Welshman.

Owura Edwards

Out on loan with Colchester United after spending the first part with Exeter City, before being recalled.

Has featured regularly for Wayne Brown’s side as they battle for their place in League Two.

Transfer status: Undecided. Will turn 21 when he returns, may be loaned out again.

Louis Britton

Prolific for the under-23’s last season but that hasn’t counted for much in the eyes of Pearson. Sent out on loan to Irish First Division side Waterford after trialling at top tier Derry City

Transfer status: Will be allowed to leave the Robins this summer, likely on a free transfer after they were unable to get rid of him permanently in January.

Saikou Janneh

Out on loan at Shrewsbury Town at the minute, managed by former Robins boss Steve Cotterill, though he’s yet to get a goal.

Bar a brace against Forest Green, in the EFL Cup for City, Janneh’s first-team opportunities have been limited at Ashton Gate.

Transfer status: At 22-years-old it may be best suited for Janneh to explore other options moving forward.