Bristol City’s dream summer transfer window sees star man stay put and young prospect joining

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The 2025 summer transfer window officially reopened for Bristol City on June 16, following an initial short window earlier in the month.

After a strong 2024-2025 season that saw them finish 6th in the Championship and qualify for the play-offs – their closest brush with promotion in 17 years – Bristol City are now undergoing a managerial transition.

The departure of head coach Liam Manning has left some shoes to fill, with the club currently searching for his successor to build on the progress made last season.

Despite their strong league finish, the play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield United flags that there is work still to be done if they want to reach the Premier League.

With this ambitious outlook and a new head coach soon to be appointed, we have taken a look at what a dream summer transfer window would look like for the Robins as they prepare to compete at the sharp end of the Championship.

Secure Jason Knight’s long-term future

EFL Analysis revealed last week, via transfer expert Graeme Bailey, that Jason Knight was drawing Premier League interest much to the annoyance of Bristol City fans.

He is under contract until 2027 and has been a key player throughout his time at the club. Bristol City should prioritise offering him a new, improved long-term contract to reflect his importance and ward off potential suitors. This sends a strong message about the club’s ambition and dedication to their best players.

American international George Campbell

Bristol City have been heavily linked with a move for American international defender George Campbell from MLS side CF Montréal. Valued at around £1 million, the 23-year-old is a promising centre-back.

His contract with Montréal is set to expire at the end of 2025, which could make him an attainable target for this summer. Campbell has already amassed over 100 first-team appearances in the MLS and recently earned his first senior cap for the US national team.

• READ MORE: Championship expert names one sacked manager who could walk into most jobs despite ‘atrocious’ underachievement

Emil Riis to reinforce their goal-scoring ability

With Nahki Wells’ future uncertain and Tommy Conway having departed last summer, Bristol need more proven goalscoring ability up front.

Emil Riis, also a free agent from Preston North End, is a powerful and quick striker with a good Championship goalscoring record. Signing him on a free transfer would be a clever bit of business to strengthen their attack without a significant outlay.

Young prospect Richard Kone

Richard Kone of Wycombe Wanderers is an exciting prospect who has been in prolific goalscoring form in League One. He could provide a youthful, dynamic option up front alongside players like Sinclair Armstrong. While he wouldn’t come cheap, he would be a long-term investment and a significant upgrade for the Robins.

• READ MORE: Championship transfer round-up: Kyle Walker’s Sheffield United return, Southampton busy, Harry Darling twist

Appointing a new manager

With the focus of the transfer window mainly being on players, you forget that Bristol City are still without a manager. Liam Manning left at the start of the month to take the helm at Norwich City. Currently, the Robins are close to announcing Gerhard Struber as their new manager this week.

Struber will only demand the best and, if he doesn’t get it, he won’t be afraid to call out the hierarchy. During his last Championship spell at Barnsley, a defeat to Middlesbrough extending their winless start to the season in October 2020, the 48-year-old questioned the ambition of the owners before leaving three days later.

Bristol City players likely to leave this summer

The Robins have several players that are likely to depart, primarily due to expiring contracts.

Veteran striker Nahki Wells, 35, is a likely candidate to leave. While still capable, his contract is up in June 2025, and with public uncertainty about his future, the club may opt for a younger attacking line.

Academy product Sam Bell, also with a contract ending in June 2025, could move on. Despite flashes of promise and pace, consistency and injuries have hampered his time at the club, meaning he’ll likely seek regular first-team football elsewhere.

• READ MORE: How Bristol City feel about Nahki Wells as veteran striker attracts League One attention

Mark Sykes, whose deal now runs until June 2026 after a recent extension, might still be a contender for departure if the club receives a suitable offer, as they look to build their midfield options.

Lastly, third-choice goalkeeper Lewis Thomas, 27, is expected to seek regular playing time as his contract also concludes this summer.

These potential exits highlight a period of transition for the Robins, aiming to reshape their squad for future ambitions.

The window does not shut until September 1, and a lot could change in that time, but this would be a productive summer for Bristol City.