"If I’m honest" - Exclusive: Don Goodman reacts to big Bristol City, Emil Riis news | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman reacts to Bristol City securing the signature of Emil Riis.

Emil Riis has joined Bristol City on a free after leaving Preston, and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes it's a "brilliant" piece of business by the Robins.

After months of speculation surrounding his name, the Danish striker has signed a three-year deal at Ashton Gate, bringing an end to a five-year stint at Preston North End.

Coventry City and Sheffield United, but has opted for a fresh start in the south-west.

Bristol City beat competition from rivals to land Riis

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman was asked whether he was surprised that the Robins were able to land the striker, given interest from clubs with arguably greater recent pedigree.

“This is a brilliant, brilliant signing for Bristol City. And a surprising one if I’m honest with you,” Goodman said.

“If clubs like Coventry and Sheffield United were genuinely in for Emil Riis, it would be a bit of a surprise that he has joined Bristol City.

“I think he is a coup. I’m surprised, with the greatest respect to Bristol City, that they’ve managed to persuade him this is the right move. Because I rate him. I think he’s a very, very good Championship-level striker who could easily get 15 to 20 goals in a Bristol City shirt next season, so absolutely great business from them.”

Riis seen as an upgrade on Wells as Robins rebuild frontline

Riis arrives following the departure of Nahki Wells and will now link up with Sinclair Armstrong and Fally Mayulu as part of a revamped attacking unit.

The Danish striker netted 12 goals last season in a Preston side that lacked consistency, and leaves Deepdale having scored 46 times in 186 appearances.

Bristol City technical director Brian Tinnion also expressed his delight at the move, stating: “It is no secret how in demand Emil was, and we are very pleased to have secured his signature. He provides us with extra firepower and is very experienced in the Championship.”

Riis, who began his career with Danish Superliga side Randers, said the project at Ashton Gate played a major part in his decision.

“It is a club which has the right ambitions for me,” he told the club’s official site. “I am very happy to be here, and hopefully I can be a part of the dream to go to the next level. I want to score goals and help the team in that way.”

With Championship goals already in his locker and motivation to prove himself at a new club, Riis could be the surprise package of the summer.