1. Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!

NP Given the Green Light

Discussion in 'Bristol City' started by wizered, May 12, 2021.

  1. wizered

    wizered Ol' Mucker
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    33,406
    Likes Received:
    5,984
    Bristol City given green light to sign midfielder as Nigel Pearson considers transfer options
    The Robins have held a long-standing interest in former Huddersfield, Norwich City and Brentford midfielder Alex Pritchard

    Bristol City target Alex Pritchard is available on the open market after Huddersfield Town confirmed the release of the midfielder, however it's unclear whether Nigel Pearson wants to pursue a deal for the 28-year-old.

    Pritchard has been on the radar of the Robins recruitment team for much of the 2020/21 season due to his expiring contract in Yorkshire and Bristol Live understands he was offered to City in January for a cut-price permanent deal.

    City, with Dean Holden in charge, rejected the chance to sign him given his expected availability as a free agent in June and the fact the club were reasonably well-stocked in central attacking midfield areas, even taking into account Jamie Paterson's injury issues.

    On Tuesday, Huddersfield confirmed that Pritchard is one of nine players who will be released at the end of June once their contract expires, leaving the door open for City to engage in talks.

    Of course, there is now a different manager at Ashton Gate in Nigel Pearson but City's interest in the 28-year-old was not confined to just his predecessor and the recruitment team have continued to assess his suitability for the club.

    Whether or not that materialises in an actual offer for the Tottenham academy graduate is unclear but the likelihood is that City are, at the very least, continuing to monitor his availability and situation in free agency.

    Pritchard has scored just three league goals in 80 games, for Huddersfield since signing from Norwich City in 2018 when the Terriers were a Premier League club.

    He made just six starts in the recently concluded Championship campaign but has been dogged by injury issues for the past two seasons, limiting his availability and impact.

    Before signing for Huddersfield in 2018 for a now exorbitant £11m, he was regarded as one of the best playmakers in the second tier, scoring 19 goals and 20 assists in 89 Championship appearances for Brentford and Norwich.

    The other likely destination for the midfielder is a reunion with Mark Warburton at QPR, having enjoyed arguably his most consistent season under the manager when they were together at Brentford in 2014/15 when he was named the club's Player of the Year and included in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

    With Jamie Paterson out of contract, Andi Weimann's 12-month option yet to be exercised and doubts over Kasey Palmer's suitability for Pearson's style of play and system, Pritchard could fill a void as a central attacking playmaker.

    Pearson does have academy products Alex Scott and Sam Pearson to call upon but it's unlikely that they will be expected to play senior roles next term.
    https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-nigel-pearson-transfer-5403283
     
    #1
  2. Jiffie

    Jiffie Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2020
    Messages:
    3,675
    Likes Received:
    1,275
    Pritchard for me is another Lansbury, had a couple of very good seasons some time back but way past his best, that and his injuries problems would be a no for me.
     
    #2
  3. AshtonRed

    AshtonRed Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2017
    Messages:
    8,785
    Likes Received:
    3,246
    Another one to add to our injury list, no thanks
     
    #3
  4. invermeremike

    invermeremike Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2011
    Messages:
    9,406
    Likes Received:
    1,502
    Does he still have the fitness and desire to produce what we need? I am on the fence on this one and although I know his name I'm a bit short on his experience factor which leaves doubts in my mind and that we should look elsewhere for recruits.On a positive note it's nice to see some activity, no matter how distant it may be, so early in to the summer. Keep the rumours and possibilities coming but no no-hopers please.
     
    #4
  5. realred1952

    realred1952 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2020
    Messages:
    7,614
    Likes Received:
    782
    that was my first instinct .. although depends on what or and how injuries were sustained
     
    #5
  6. AshtonRed

    AshtonRed Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2017
    Messages:
    8,785
    Likes Received:
    3,246
    Agreed, however we’ve so many that even next season are likely to be rusty, even if they’ve recovered from their injuries, that any incomings really need to be up to speed.,
     
    #6

Share This Page