Bristol City: If nothing happens, these 4 players are going to leave Ashton Gate | OneFootball

As it stands, Bristol City have four players who will be out of contract in the summer.

Bristol City have enjoyed a positive season under Liam Manning, with a play-off finish still not out of the question.

Reaching the Premier League for the first time is the dream for the Robins, and even though it will be a big ask, it shows the club are heading in the right direction.

Their position in the table is particularly impressive when you consider Bristol City don’t have the resources of many Championship rivals.

Bristol City have built a strong squad on a smaller budget

Whilst they aren’t exactly restricted to free agents and bargain buys, the Robins do have to use their budget wisely. And, generally, that’s what they’ve done, with the recruitment team looking to build a young, hungry squad.

In the modern game, player trading is increasingly important, and it’s something Bristol City will know they must improve if they are to kick-on.

A key factor for that is managing contracts, and it’s fair to say those at Ashton Gate have done a decent job when it comes to protecting their assets in the short-term.

Bristol City contract situation

Although, with Anis Mehmeti, Sam Bell, Mark Sykes and Zak Vyner among a host of players who see their deals expiring in 2026, it could be a busy summer for the club as they try to secure renewals.

But, in terms of those that see their contracts expire in 2025, there are only four senior players who fall into that category...

Stefan Bajic

Having featured for Saint-Étienne and represented France at various youth levels, there was excitement when Bristol City brought Bajic to Ashton Gate.

Yet, he hasn’t played regularly, and the 23-year-old has found himself on the bench behind Max O’Leary in the current campaign. With his contract running down in a matter of months, it remains to be seen whether the club will look to keep the stopper, or if he would be keen on extending his stay.

Given his age, you would expect Bajic to prioritise first-team football, so a move away from the Robins feels like it could suit all parties.

Lewis Thomas

Another keeper, the former Forest Green Rovers man initially joined Bristol City on a short-term basis after an injury to Harvey Wiles-Richards meant they lacked a third choice.

In the end, Thomas would sign an 18-month deal, which is due to expire in the summer.

Realistically, he isn’t going to play for the club barring an injury crisis, so some will argue that they shouldn’t bother to keep him around.

But, he will be helping the two keepers ahead of him, so ultimately this will be down to goalkeeping coach Pat Mountain, and the manager, to decide whether he is worth a place in the squad for how he helps on a day-to-day basis.

Ayman Benarous

The 21-year-old broke into the Bristol City team back in the 2021/22 season, and there was a lot of excitement about the midfielder, who was clearly talented.

Sadly, he hasn’t been able to kick-on and fulfil that potential over the past few years due to terrible luck with injuries.

There have been some lengthy lay-offs for the youngster, who has had to deal with setbacks in his recovery, which is a real shame for the player and the club.

The three-year deal he signed in 2022 is set to expire, so you would expect the local lad and academy graduate to move on.

Nahki Wells

Unlike the others on the list, Wells is a first-team regular, and he will continue to play a big role during the run-in.

But, at 34, the club are going to have a decision to make on Wells, who has scored regularly in the Championship this season.

The former Huddersfield man seems settled at Ashton Gate, but he will no doubt want guarantees that he will continue to have a prominent role to play next season.

You would presume discussions have taken place already, and it will be interesting to see where Wells is playing his football next season, as he has shown under Manning that he still has a lot to offer.