Performance and Areas for Improvement
Bristol City FC finished 11th in the EFL Championship table last season, which was a slight improvement from their 14th-place finish in the previous season. They managed 17 wins, 11 draws and 18 defeats in their 46 league games. They finished a massive 35 points behind champions Leicester City and will hope to close that gap next season.
The Robins started the season under Nigel Pearson. However, after a string of poor results, which saw them 15th in the table, he was sacked and replaced by Liam Manning. The latter saw a decent upturn in form and playing style, which saw them finish 11th in the table.
In terms of cup competitions, Bristol were eliminated from the EFL Cup in the second round, losing 1-0 against Norwich City. In the FA Cup, they beat West Ham United in the third round. They were then eliminated in the fourth round, losing on penalties against Nottingham Forest after penalties.
Bristol will now look to continue to build on their progress and push for the play-off places in the Championship. They are set to part ways with several players due to the end of their loan spells or transfers. Hence, they will need to be strategic and work well in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Transfer Strategy
Bristol City aren’t the biggest spenders. They do believe mostly in loan transfers, which is a common feature for a lot of Championship and League One clubs. They did permanently sign some players last season though and could look to do the same this season.
While loan deals help them financially, they do need some stability to compete for promotion. They have also had to part ways with some players this summer already and will need to replace them.
Areas for Improvement
Goalkeeper
The Robins have Max O’Leary as their first-choice goalkeeper, who is also a Republic of Ireland international. He has performed decently and is expected to remain the first choice. Lewis Thomas and Stefan Bajic are his backups.
Defense
Bristol City conceded 51 goals in 46 Championship games last season, with only three other teams conceding fewer. Their defense, boasting the likes of Kal Naismith, Rob Dickie and Robert Atkinson was excellent last season.
They could look to improve on them this summer if there is a potential loan opportunity. However, unless there is a sale, they are likely to continue with the same defenders.
Midfield
In midfield, Bristol have the likes of Max Bird, Adam Murphy, Joe Williams, and more. Andy King has retired while Matty James has left on a free transfer.
The club needs big replacements and improvement in the midfield department this summer. The Robins are likely to make attempts to sign youngsters from Premier League clubs as many Championship clubs do. They need more creativity and control in the middle.
Attack
Bristol City scored just 51 goals last season in the Championship, which is at least 15 fewer than any other team in the Top 10. It is also less than some of the teams in the bottom half of the table. Hence, they need big improvements in attack.
The likes of Andreas Weimann and Adedire Mebude have already left and will need to be replaced this summer.
Signings Completed
Bristol City have signed center-forward Fally Mayulu from Rapid Vienna for €3.50 million. They have also brought in winger Yu Hirakawa from Machida Zelvia on loan.
In terms of outgoings, they have parted ways with goalkeeper Harvey Jo Wiles-Richards on a free transfer to Bath City FC. Jamie Knight-Lebel and Ephraim Yeboah have left on loan transfers to Crewe Alexandra and Doncaster respectively.
Andreas Weimann and Matty James have left on free transfers and are currently without a club.
Top Targets
Liam Manning’s side have been linked with a potential move for former Aston Villa striker Brad Young. However, they will have to fend off plenty of competition for him. They have also been linked with forward Millenic Alli from Exeter City FC.
The Robins have also been linked with a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Donley. The youngster will head out on loan this season after winning Premier League 2 with Spurs. However, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle are ahead in the race to sign him over Bristol.
Financial Capabilities
Bristol City spent just €7.20 million on new players last season. They mostly signed players on loan or free transfers. They even managed to have an overall positive net spend of around €15 million, having earned €23 million through selling players.
They will look to continue in the same vein this summer but also increase their expenditure. They are still in the Championship but will also look to push for promotion.
The Robins have already spent €3.50 million this summer on Fally Mayulu. They are likely to spend more but it will also depend on loan opportunities and departures.