Bristol City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo has turned down an offer to play internationally for Congo ahead of next month’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Reports in Africa over the weekend had claimed that Paris-born Massengo, who has played for France at Under-17 and U18 level, was going to be included in Paul Put’s squad this week having declared to play for the Red Devils, but Bristol Live understands that won't be the case.
The 20-year-old would have followed the lead of Robins teammate Antoine Semenyo who earlier this year declared for Ghana and is expected to be named in Otto Addo’s squad for their qualifiers next month against Madagascar and Central African Republic after injury prevented a maiden call-up in March.
Meanwhile, Andi Weimann has been named in the Austria squad for the second time this year following his sensational season in front of goal for the Robins. Weimann has been included in Ralf Rangnick's 25-man squad, his first since taking over as manager, for their Nations League matches against Denmark, France and Croatia next month.
Weimann, who scored 22 goals in 46 games for City this season and was named Player of the Year, earned his first cap for his country in seven years in March when he came on as a substitute against Wales in their World Cup play-off defeat in Cardiff.
Massengo’s future in BS3 remains uncertain as the midfielder enters the final 12 months of his contract at Ashton Gate and there has been no indication that he plans to sign the new contract offered to him at the end of last year.
That will effectively force City into a sale, to maximise his value before it starts to drop once the summer window closes. Should that not happen, and Massengo run his contract down and then leave in 2023 on a free, City would be entitled for compensation based on his age and the fact they have made a contract offer.
The Frenchman joined the Robins in 2019 from Monaco and has proved an immensely popular figure among the fanbase, particularly the younger elements, making 89 appearances over his three seasons in the West Country.
Prior to the final home game of the season against Hull City, he insisted that “nothing was decided” regarding his future at the club, while at the final whistle of the concluding fixture to the Championship campaign at Huddersfield Town, he was seen in tears as the players clapped fans. Pearson later said the occasion had got to him.
A number of Premier League clubs have scouted the 20-year-old over the course of his time at City, and a bid was knocked back last summer from Watford, while he has interest in France from Lyon and in Germany with Freiburg but whether he leaves in this transfer window or not, depends on what offers the Robins receive.
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