Exclusive: Bristol City hailed for signing £0 striker - "They’ve done brilliantly to get him" | OneFootball

Don Goodman exclusively told FLW his thoughts regarding Bristol City's new striker

Bristol City may have secured the bargain of the entire Championship transfer window by snapping up Emil Riis on a free transfer from Preston North End.

The Danish striker completed his move to Ashton Gate in early July, penning a three-year deal with the Robins after five years at Deepdale.

Riis had been in high demand following his release from Preston, with a host of second-tier clubs all reportedly showing interest.

His most prolific campaign came in 21/22 when he scored 16 goals, including a 96th-minute equaliser against the Robins. That season saw Riis attract a reported £7.5m bid from an unnamed English club, which Preston rejected.

What Don Goodman has said on the Robins signing Riis

Speaking exclusively to FLW about Bristol City's new striker, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman was full of praise for the Robins' ability to get the deal done.

"They’ve (Bristol City) done brilliantly to get him," Goodman told FLW.

"He is a player that, at Championship level, I do rate and with respect to Bristol City, I honestly thought that one of the bigger ‘fish’ in the Championship pond may have gone in for him, given that he was a free transfer," he continued.

Riis undoubtedly brings strong second-tier experience to Bristol City, having established himself as a reliable goalscorer during his time at Preston.

Over five seasons with the Lilywhites, he netted 46 goals in 186 appearances - including 12 goals in 45 league matches last season.

"Fair play to Bristol City, they’ve obviously sold him the project. Everytime I’ve seen him I like the look of him, he’s a player that threatens in behind and defenders hate that," Goodman continued.

Riis has impressed in pre-season

Despite suffering a serious knee injury in January 2023 that kept him out for almost a year, Riis continued to find the net regularly once he returned.

Goodman mentioned this when he summed up the Robins' new striker, "Had a decent season last season, which was on the back of quite a few injury issues, but I do think Bristol City have signed an absolute bargain there," he concluded.

City's faith in their new striker has already been somewhat vindicated during pre-season, with Riis making an immediate impact for Gerhard Struber's side.

The Danish forward has shown his goal-scoring prowess by notably scoring a first-half brace in the 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Home Park. He also scored in their final warm-up game against Real Valladolid.

Technical Director Brian Tinnion acknowledged the competitive nature of the pursuit to bring him to Bristol, stating, "It is no secret how in demand Emil was, and we are very pleased to have secured his signature."

Riis adds much-needed competition for places

The arrival of Riis certainly adds good depth to Bristol City's striker options, particularly following the departure of Nahki Wells to Luton Town - the Bermudan scored ten league goals for the Robins in 24/25.

At 27, Riis is eight years younger than Wells and is entering his peak years - and is surely expected to be the starting number nine ahead of Sinclair Armstrong, just like what happened against Valladolid.

Riis scored against City on the final day of last season and spoke positively about the atmosphere, saying upon joining, "Last game of the season it was a sellout so it will be nice to be on the other side of it.

"I am looking forward to playing in front of them," he added.