Bristol City concluded the 2023-24 Championship season in 11th place, marking another solid mid-table finish. This represents the third consecutive season of improved league standings for the Robins, and fans are hopeful that this trend will continue into the upcoming season, potentially leading them into the play-offs.
The team has begun recruiting new players this summer to strengthen their squad, but they must also manage the contract situations of current players to avoid any distractions during the season.
Football League World examines six players who could leave Ashton Gate next summer if new contracts are not negotiated:
**Tommy Conway**
Tommy Conway, who progressed through Bristol City’s academy, has made a notable impact over the past two seasons. His current contract, signed in the summer of 2022, runs through to next summer. Last season, he scored 10 goals in 39 Championship appearances at the age of 21. Ideally, the club would like to extend his contract, but negotiations have stalled, and Conway has reportedly been sidelined from first-team training due to his reluctance to agree to a new deal. The Robins may look to sell him before the transfer deadline on August 30 to avoid losing him for a minimal compensation fee next summer.
**Stefan Bajic**
Stefan Bajic, a young goalkeeper who joined from Ligue 2 club Pau in 2022, is now in the final year of his three-year contract. With Max O’Leary established as the first-choice keeper, Bajic’s chances of regular play seem limited. His future may hinge on his willingness to remain a backup, as he has made only one senior appearance for the club so far.
**Kal Naismith**
Kal Naismith, who arrived from Luton Town as a free agent in 2022, signed a three-year deal that will expire next summer. Although he hasn’t been a regular starter, his experience and versatility have been valuable. While a new contract of the same length is unlikely, a shorter extension could be appealing to Bristol City due to his adaptability in various positions, including center-back, left-back, and midfield.
**Nahki Wells**
Nahki Wells, the veteran Bermudian striker who joined from Burnley in 2020, is under contract until the summer of 2025. With 38 goals and 16 assists in 194 appearances for the Robins, including seven goals in 35 Championship games last season, his future will be evaluated at the end of the current season to decide if an extension is warranted based on his performance.
