Nigel Pearson highlights key reason for Bristol City departure | OneFootball

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has revealed the reasons why the club allowed experienced goalkeeper Dan Bentley to leave for Wolves this January.

Club captain Bentley signed for Wolves earlier this week after falling behind Max O’Leary in the pecking order at Ashton Gate.

His lack of game time inevitably led to links away from the club this month, with Stoke City touted as a potential destination before it was confirmed he’d joined Premier League side Wolves as a backup for Jose Sa – signing an 18-month contract that includes a two-year option.

The club were happy to let the experienced stopper leave and the reasons why were made clear by Pearson. Speaking to the Bristol Post, the former Leicester City manager was honest with the reasoning behind Bentley’s departure.

“We are trying to reduce to wage bill so there’s an element of that. It’s a great opportunity for him so it’s something that suited all parties as much as anything.

“Dan’s contract was up at the end of the season and he knew his situation. He’s one of the players that I’d spoken to quite early about his own personal situation but it was also important for us to not leave ourselves short and the two deals had to be synced to have any possibility of going through.”

Bentley’s move to Wolves was sanctioned after the club brought in Nikita Haikan on a free transfer after he opted to leave Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

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The Verdict

It’s a show of faith for Max O’Leary that Pearson is opting to use him as his number one as opposed to deciding to keep Bentley until the end of the season.

Obviously, the addition of Haikan may suggest he will have competition, and that may well be the case. But given Haikan’s contract is only until the end of the season, O’Leary is seemingly the long-term option for the club.

As for the wage bill, it’s a smart move by the club. They have talented players at their disposal with O’Leary being the latest academy graduate to progress into the first team.