Bristol City: Controversial call now looking a masterstroke - View | OneFootball

Bristol City have had massive success with their academy in recent years. From the likes of Alex Scott to Tommy Conway, they have produced some future superstars and Ephraim Yeboah seems next in line despite his surprise loan move.

Having already racked up 12 substitute appearances for the Robins, many City fans thought that the Italian prodigy would have remained at Ashton Gate for the remainder of the season. So, it was a surprise to many when, at the end of February, National League-chasing Bath City signed the 17-year-old on loan for the final months of their campaign.

They needn't have worried though, and Yeboah's spell with the Romans could be the making of him.

Yeboah has been a highlight of the Robins academy since signing for them at under-15s level and last July was rewarded with a professional contract at Ashton Gate, having impressed during pre-season. Many players would have been satisfied with just getting a deal at 17, but for the forward, this was just the beginning of an exciting first year in professional football.

Following on from this, former City manager Nigel Pearson rewarded the youngster with just over 200 minutes of first team football in the Championship and League Cup. But, following the departure of Pearson, new head coach Liam Manning hasn't offered many opportunities for him, with just a sole appearance against Blackburn Rovers in December.

After a couple of months on the sidelines and no move in January, it was very much a surprise when Yeboah departed on loan to Twerton Park for the foreseeable future. Across X and Facebook, many fans were confused as to why he would be dropping to such a level when they believed he could still make a contribution four divisions higher.

The right move for Yeboah and the Robins

For Bristol City, affiliated connections to local teams are a huge part of their youth development success. Clubs such as Yeovil Town, Bath City, and Taunton Town often welcome multiple academy products from Ashton Gate and introduce them to the live-wire that is men's football.

The signing of Yeboah, though, seemed a real coup for the Romans amid his Championship experience and this addition has proved a stroke of brilliance.

The forward has made an immediate impact, scoring his first professional goal just sixteen minutes into his debut, as he latched onto Scott Wilson's through ball before rounding Braintree's keeper to make it 1-0. A string of good performances have followed and Bath's number 21 added his second for the club recently against Eastbourne, as he slotted a left-footed volley into the bottom right-hand corner.

With Bath all but securing their play-off spot after a 1-0 win against Torquay, Yeboah will be hoping that he can contribute to the play-offs and give the South West side a shot at attaining a spot in the National League for the 2024/25 season.

With Manning bringing in the likes of Scott Twine and Dire Mebube in January, Yeboah had fallen down the pecking order in Bs3 and his loan spell away, while not universally popular at the time, is giving him experience and, perhaps more importantly, confidence that could be vital to his development.

Another move for Yeboah

Ahead of next season, you would imagine Manning will be unlikely to start giving Yeboah the minutes he requires to continue developing into the special player he could be. Therefore, another loan move will surely be the target for the upcoming campaign.

Should Bath get promoted, we could see the youngster return there, but a move to National League South champions Yeovil Town right now seems a perfect fit. Fellow academy graduates, Olly Thomas and Zac Bell spent much of their season at Huish Park and the Glovers' ambitious new owner would certainly be keen to give someone with as much potential as Yeboah an opportunity.

Given the teenager's exciting skillset, perhaps a League Two loan would not be out of the question either but only time will tell in that regard.

One thing is for sure though, Yeboah has a serious future ahead of him and the Italian will be tormenting defences at a much higher level for years to come.