Bristol City fans ‘not surprised’ as Jason Knight links intensify, but there’s one club they don’t want to sell to

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Bristol City are going into this transfer window without a manager and could struggle to keep hold of some players after falling short in this season’s play-offs. 

Former manager Liam Manning led the Robins to the Championship’s play-offs, only to lose 6-0 on aggregate to Sheffield United, a blow to the Bristol fans. 

Another blow came some weeks later, with Manning departing Bristol to join Norwich City and become their new manager after the Canaries sacked Johannes Hoff Thorup. 

The club are in desperate need of bringing in a new manager quickly as the weeks tick down to pre-season, with Michael Carrick being considered by Bristol City, as he looks for a quick-fire return to football management following his sacking at Middlesbrough. 

Nevertheless, there is a new issue for whoever takes charge at Ashton Gate. Keeping hold of players will be tough for the Robins this summer, and Manning may eye up reunions with some of his former stars, amongst all of this, one Bristol player, Jason Knight, is attracting attention from numerous clubs.

And fans have been sharing their take on X, with one particular rumoured club causing a stir amongst the Bristol faithful. 

Bristol City fans react as Jason Knight attracts interest from numerous clubs 

The Bristol City captain was superb last season, and it will come as no surprise to see that he is gaining interest from clubs in the Premier League.

EFL Analysis revealed earlier today the clubs who are targeting Knight, via transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

“He has got Premier League interest. He’s a very good player. I’ve heard Bournemouth, Fulham, and Everton, and I’ve heard he is on the radar of Leeds United, too. He’s got a lot of interest and there is a chance he goes.”

Bristol fans have taken to social media to share their lack of surprise, Knight is looking to move on and their anger that Bournemouth are involved.

One fan wrote: “No surprise – if we can get Travers from Bournemouth in return and 15m I wouldn’t complain. If we spend the money well, I think we could make ourselves better without him.”

Another shared: “The only good thing about this situation is if 5 clubs want him then you’d think we won’t have our pants pulled down on the price.”

While not fierce rivals, Bristol City fans likely feel a familiar sting with Bournemouth’s interest in Jason Knight. This sentiment echoes the 2023 transfer of highly-rated midfielder Alex Scott, who joined Bournemouth for a club-record fee of around £25 million.

For City supporters, seeing another player targeted by a Premier League side understandably triggers frustration. Knight’s consistent contribution last season, with 3 goals and 6 assists in 46 Championship appearances, makes his situation a clear echo of Scott’s departure.

Other players who could potentially leave Bristol City this summer 

Bristol City’s summer transfer window is already in full swing, with confirmed departures like Stefan Bajic, Ayman Benarous, and Kal Naismith on free transfers, and Taylor Gardner-Hickman joining Birmingham permanently.

While Jason Knight’s situation is one to monitor, the club will be more immediately focused on players with expiring contracts.

Nahki Wells and Lewis Thomas are currently negotiating new deals, and their decisions will significantly impact the squad.

Looking ahead, a significant number of first-team regulars have contracts expiring in the summer of 2026. 

This group includes defensive mainstays such as George Tanner, Max O’Leary, Zak Vyner, Cam Pring, Rob Atkinson, and Rob Dickie.

In midfield and attack, players like Mark Sykes, Anis Mehmeti, and Harry Cornick also fall into this category.

This summer could see some of these players sold if new terms aren’t agreed, as their aims to balance financial stability with squad strength.

The lack of a permanent manager adds another layer of complexity to these crucial transfer and contract decisions.