"Simply can't afford" - Jason Knight exit fear raised at Bristol City | OneFootball

FLW's Bristol City Fan Pundit believes there is one player that the Robins cannot afford to sell this transfer window

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Since arriving from Derby County in July 2023 for an undisclosed fee, 24-year-old Jason Knight has established himself as one of Bristol City's most consistent performers.

The Republic of Ireland international started all 46 Championship matches last season, a testament to his reliability and then-manager Liam Manning's trust in appointing him captain.

Knight took over the armband from departed duo Andi Weimann and Matty James at the start of the 24/25 season, saying upon his appointment "It's a great honour to be named captain of this club, and I'm looking forward to the season ahead."

Bristol City managed to secure Championship playoffs - under Knight's leadership - for the first time in 17 years, finishing 6th.

Jason Knight deemed irreplaceable for Bristol City

One of FLW's Bristol City Fan Pundits, Tom Rawle, believes Jason Knight is the one player the Robins cannot afford to sell before the September 1st deadline.

"Jason Knight is the absolute engine room in centre mid, club captain, fair enough he's probably not - the amount of goals and that he scores - but he’s certainly a player who we can’t afford to lose," Rawle explained.

Being in the top three for most games played (303) in European football for those born in 2001, the Dubliner's importance was recognised at the club's end-of-season awards ceremony.

He swept the board by winning four Player of the Year awards - including Players' Player and Senior Reds Player of the Year.

Despite the disappointment of the 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sheffield United in the semi-finals of the playoffs, Knight's influence throughout the season was undeniable - he managed to get six assists.

"Simply based on when he doesn’t play well, we didn’t play well last season, so he’s the one for me we can’t simply afford to let go, now or anytime within the next month or so," Rawle continued.

Transfer speculation creates uncertainty over Jason Knight's future

The timing of Rawle's words is somewhat significant given the mounting speculation surrounding Knight's future. Multiple Premier League clubs have reportedly been linked with the midfielder, including Everton, Bournemouth, and Fulham.

Supposed interest from top-flight clubs is understandable given Knight's performances. His tenacious playing style and obvious leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, with TeamTalk reporting he's one of the Championship's best midfielders.

Knight himself has been open about his Premier League ambitions. Speaking to RTE while on international duty, he admitted "I want to be ambitious. I want to play in the top division."

"But I'm relaxed, if it's now or in the future, that will be. I've just got to keep performing well to get to that point."

Potential impact of the Robins losing Jason Knight

Rawle issued a warning that losing Knight "will probably influence our season in a negative way as well", which shows genuine concern among supporters about the club's ability to replace such a key player - if he was to leave.

His understanding of the Championship, built over several seasons with Derby and Bristol City, gives him an invaluable advantage that cannot be easily replaced.

It is unsure whether Gerhard Struber will place the same reliability on Knight as ex-boss Liam Manning did - the latter's system relied a lot on Knight's ability to transition between defence and attack.

Having 31 successful dribbles in the league last season, it shows Knight carries the ball between the opposite areas of the pitch very well - and it would undoubtedly cost a lot to find someone even remotely similar.

As the transfer deadline steadily approaches, Bristol City fans will be hoping that Rawle's assessment resonates with those at the business end of the club - but Knight's contract runs until 2027, so the Robin's will surely have the upper hand in any negotiations.

From Knight's perspective, the decision will likely hinge on the quality of offers received, and although his commitment to the club has been unwavering, the prospect of Premier League football may prove difficult to resist.