Bristol City told to avoid Jason Knight transfer exit and Nahki Wells role change mooted | OneFootball

FLW's resident Robin gives his take on a dream Bristol City summer 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…

Bristol City have enjoyed a brilliant season with Liam Manning propelling his side to a play-off push.

For much of the season it appeared it was just going to be another year in the mid-table region of the Championship, but brilliant home form and victories over play-off rivals has propelled them into the top-six.

Several players have impressed, but it's the midfield pairing of Jason Knight and Max Bird who’ve shown the most consistency – both have been outstanding.

Reaching the Premier League would be a remarkable achievement, but even if they fall short, they’re well positioned for another strong campaign in the Championship come the 2025–26 season.

Jason Knight's retention is pivotal for Bristol City

To get an Ashton Gate point of view on how Liam Manning and Steve Lansdown can build on the current squad, Football League World spoke to their resident Robin, Tom Sandy, who first pinpointed retaining their club captain as a priority.

"The most important thing is that we keep hold of Jason Knight," Sandy told FLW.

"He is our best player by far. Our squad has improved tenfold because of what he does – he basically plays two positions. The way he presses, his stamina, his work rate, his leadership... he's captain of the team in just his second season. I think that shows how influential he is, both on and off the pitch.

"If you look at how he plays, he’d be perfect in Amorim's United system. I don't think United have the scouting network to be looking at the Championship and seeing just how good Jason Knight is. He could easily play at Premier League level – and probably for a team better than Man United at the moment."

Bristol City should be searching for Nahki Wells replacement

Looking beyond Knight's retention, FLW asked what new signings Sandy would like to see added to the Robins' squad.

"Bringing in a striker," said Sandy.

"It has been difficult this season, as Fally didn’t deliver when we signed him, and Sinclair Armstrong can make a good impact, but he is not a goalscorer.

"It would be really nice to have a goalscorer. Nahki Wells is that, but he is 34 now, and if we can ease him into a mentorship role, then that would be unbelievable.

"He has done so much for the club, and he just keeps getting better and better, which makes me not want to replace him. But it isn’t a replacement; it’s getting ready for the future and having someone come in who can be his right-hand man and learn from him – which I think Sinclair Armstrong has done this season. He is a better player now than when he first joined.

"I think a lot of fans want us to sign someone in that position."

A centre-back and goalkeeper on Bristol City's shortlist

For Sandy, a new striker isn’t the only area that needs addressing, with the Robins’ backline also high on his list of priorities.

"A centre-back and a goalkeeper would be nice to bring us some depth at the back.

"We have been crying out for a goalkeeper for a while. A quality goalkeeper can win you titles, and Max O'Leary probably isn't quite that yet. He has made mistakes this season, as goalkeepers in the Championship do.

"It would be nice to bring in some competition for him, who can challenge for a starting XI spot and hopefully get the best out of him.

"You can always bring in better quality, and we will be losing George Earthy in the summer, so depending on how Josh Stokes adapts to the Championship, we may need someone in that higher-up position.

"Keeping this young squad together, which is only getting better, is the dream for the summer 2025 transfer window."