Bristol City have seen steady improvement from Mehmeti since his arrival in January 2023, with the Albanian winger performing stronger season on season.
He emerged as Gerhard Struber’s main source of attack and a driving force behind their current promotion, with the Robins sitting in eleventh place and just three points away from the play-offs.
Mehmeti was equally influential last season as Bristol City reached the play-offs. His contributions in front of goal underlined his importance to the side and highlighted his growing impact at Ashton Gate.
However, now he has moved to Ipswich Town, in a huge blow for Struber and his side. Mehmeti was in talks over a new contract with the club, but Ipswich wanted to secure his services for just £3 million.
Replacing Mehmeti will be a huge task for Bristol City, who have already become frustrated in their search for striker Delano Bergzorg. However, they will hope to repeat their feat by signing Mehmeti when they replace him.
That said, here are three options the Robins should look at to replace the 25-year-old…
Tommy Watson
Watson would be a good short-term option for Bristol City to replace Mehmeti. With just over a week to go in the transfer window, they may need to take that into account when looking for a longer-term option ahead of the summer window.
Watson has struggled to find opportunities since moving to Brighton. However, he impressed in his performances for Sunderland last season and of course scored the historic winning goal in the play-off final in May.
The England U21 international is reportedly available for a loan this month. Hull City, Derby County and Preston North End have received interest and Bristol City should be in that race.
It is worth noting that Bristol City have also been linked with Cleary’s teammate Davis Keillor-Dunn. A double deal for the pair would be an excellent thing for the Robins.
Reyes Cleary
Cleary has been one of the standout attacking players in League One this season. The 21-year-old, who spent last year on loan at Walsall and Hartlepool United, has adapted to life in the third tier impressively.
Reyes Cleary’s stats for Barnsley in League One
The Tykes will be hoping to secure a playoff spot this season and will see Cleary as a very important part of that plan. However, there was enough interest and with the money acquired from Mehmeti, as well as Antoine Semenyo’s sell-on clause, they should opt for Cleary.
Samuel Edozie
Edozie was part of the Southampton team that won promotion from the Championship in the 2023/2024 season and played a consistent role throughout the season.
In the following season he fell down the pecking order, leading to a move to Belgian side Anderlecht. Although he failed to secure a regular starting spot, Edozie still played regularly in the league.
Edozie appeared to want to leave Southampton on his return, but a move did not materialize and he has not featured for the club this season.
Bristol City should try to step in and give him a platform to prove himself. The success of Mehmeti and Semenyo is an ideal way to show Edozie what the Robins can do for him.
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