City must offer Mehmeti improved deal

Bristol City should do everything to keep Anis Mehmeti, according to fan David Pottier

When Anis Mehmeti executed the pass that put Yu Hirakawa in the clear to race through and score City's clinching goal against Swansea on Saturday, it was his third assist of the game and a feat that has not been realised at Championship level for 10 years.

The mercurial Albanian was brought to Ashton Gate from Wycombe in 2023 on a three-and-a-half-year deal and was heralded as someone who would bring flair to a workmanlike team. His first 18 months were frustrating as he lacked an end product, often through taking one touch too many.

Mehmeti's stock rose considerably last season when he chipped in with 12 goals, but then manager Liam Manning seemed to overlook him as the season finished with the club's best-forgotten appearance in the play-offs. That drop-off in being a regular starter has probably contributed to the problem City find themselves in right now as Mehmeti has, so far, opted not to sign the contract presented to him and can depart as a free agent in July.

New boss Gerhard Struber has stated more than once he has a level of faith in Mehmeti's ability and with five goals and six assists he is a major reason why City have had a good start.

Will he sign? Personally, I do not think he will unless a much-improved deal is offered. The argument for doing that is based on the cost of replacing him being greater than giving him a wage that would make him one of the top earners.

Mehmeti's contract situation is not the only one those in charge face in the coming months. Zak Vyner almost joined Wrexham in the summer, but City's asking price was too high. Again, based on his form this season, I would urge club officials to table a new deal in the hope he pledges his future to the club rather than take the big payday associated with being a free agent come July.

The contract situation goes beyond these two players. Mark Sykes, Sam Bell [doing really well on loan at Wycombe] and goalkeeper Max O'Leary can all walk out of the door for nothing in the summer. Offering improved deals to any of them would split the fanbase from a decision perspective.

City really need to be better when it comes to tying down players to new deals – if they won't sign then sell. There have to be buyers of course, but top of the list for where we seemed to get it wrong was when £5m signing Famara Diedhiou left for nothing in the summer of 2021.