Bristol City have confirmed their fourth signing of the summer with the arrival of talented French goalkeeper Stefan Bajic, subject to work visa clearance.
The 20-year-old has joined the Robins on a three-year contract having arrived at BS3 on a free transfer following a short-term stint with French second division side Pau. He follows in the footsteps of Mark Sykes, Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson to arrive at the club this summer with Nigel Pearson continuing to make shrewd signings.
A deal was agreed several weeks ago but work permit and visa requirement issues had delayed his move to Bristol. On Monday, he posted a cryptic Instagram picture suggesting he was on his way to England after uploading an image of himself taking a flight.
Speaking to Robins TV, Bajic said: “I’m very happy to join Bristol City. I’m excited to discover a new club and a new championship - I think Bristol City is the best place for me to improve.
“I know English football because I have watched the Premier League and the Championship on TV. The Championship is a great league with a great intensity. It’s more physical and more technical, and I am sure it’s the best league for me to progress and achieve my goals.”
Bajic came through the youth set up at St Etienne and made nine appearances in the French top-flight and three in the Coupe de France. He also became the club's youngest ever player to start a league game during the 2019-20 campaign.
He has featured in all of France's youth sides including playing for his country at the Euro's Under-19 Championship in 2019 where they were knocked out by Spain in the semi-finals on penalties. Bajic was number one during the tournament and played alongside City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo.
He is likely to challenge captain Dan Bentley for the No1 shirt, also posing questions over his and Max O'Leary's long-term futures at Ashton Gate.
Bristol Live reported earlier on Tuesday that Bajic's arrival is likely to mean O'Leary is to spend the season out on loan with League One MK Dons enquiring into his availability. The Republic of Ireland international has just one year left on his contract although the club do hold a one-year option.
In regards to Bentley, he has also entered the final year of his deal. Although in a club interview towards the end of last season, he admitted his representatives have begun talks over possibly extending his contract.
Pearson revealed before their summer training camp to Austria that the club were still in the market for three new players, depending on outgoings. He is still in the market for at least one new central defender and a defensive midfielder before the season gets underway on July 30.
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