Bristol City "big concern" made clear - it involves Anis Mehmeti | OneFootball

Bristol City have been sent a warning about Anis Mehmeti's developing contract situation

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 been told that Anis Mehmeti’s contract situation is a big concern ahead of the January transfer window.

The Robins recorded a Championship play-off finish for the first time in 17 years last term but hopes of repeating that achievement were dashed once boss Liam Manning decided to leave for Norwich.

Gerhard Struber was appointed in his place, with expectations not too high. The Austrian’s only previous experience within the English game came with Barnsley, a stint which lasted less than a year.

However, Bristol City have managed to maintain that form and even better it. They currently sit sixth in the second-tier standings after 18 matches, just four points off automatic promotion.

The Robins’ squad have performed to a high standard on the whole, with Anis Mehmeti arguably their best operator.

Bristol City warned about Anis Mehmeti’s contract situation

The 24-year-old has been in fine form this term, scoring six goals and providing six assists in 18 Championship matches. This follows up on a total of 12 league goals last term, which were crucial in helping Bristol City achieve a play-off finish.

One major concern that has emerged is Mehmeti’s contract situation, with his deal at Ashton Gate set to expire at the end of the season. He’s been offered new terms but has yet to sign, leading to fears over a potential exit.

With this in mind, Football League World’s Bristol City fan pundit, Tom Sandy, has admitted that Mehmeti’s situation is concerning and believes that the forward will want to showcase his talents at the highest level.

“He's been really, really impressive and the fact that you can see that he's making a step up to becoming a top Championship player is really exciting but also concerning for us because he hasn't signed a new deal,” stated Tom.

“He's done really well under Struber. I think that there's a better chance now that he will re-sign with us and I'm hopeful that he will as well. No matter what happens, I don't think we'll be selling him in January. I think it would be a huge mistake.

“I think replacing a player like him in January will cost far too much money. He's a player who is incredibly important in our system and he's a player who would not be easily replaceable for less than £5m.

“It is a big concern just because we don't know what's going on with the whole contract situation. I think Anis Mehmeti is the kind of player who wants to prove himself on the biggest stage and I think he wants to play in the Premier League.

“But I don't see any Premier League clubs trying to sign him on a free because I'm not sure he's at a level yet where he's such a standout player that it would turn heads.”

A promotion battle could convince Anis Mehmeti to extend contract

Whilst Mehmeti may have hopes of eventually competing in the Premier League, he may not be at the required standard to realise those dreams yet.

Therefore, if he is in two minds about whether to extend his deal or not, a promotion battle from Bristol City could decide it.

If the Robins push all the way this season and just miss out on securing a place in the top-flight, it could convince Mehmeti that his future lies at Ashton Gate.

Furthermore, Bristol City are still in the mix for an automatic promotion/play-off finish, which means that he could find himself playing football in the Premier League with his current employers.

Although there is likely to be interest overseas, the Robins’ best chance of keeping Mehmeti is by showing they are capable of achieving promotion.