New Bristol City goalkeeper Stefan Bajic has started training with his Robins teammates, nearly a month after signing for the Championship club on a free transfer.
Bajic has been unable to engage in sessions with the rest of the goalkeeping department after arriving at City on July 5 still feeling the after-effects of wrist surgery conducted at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Speaking last week, City No1 Dan Bentley admitted he’s yet to see the 20-year-old in action but he took part in the open training session on Tuesday morning at Ashton Gate alongside his captain, Max O’Leary and Will Buse.
Bajic, who has signed a three-year contract in BS3, wasn’t involved in the full session with the outfield players, but outside of specific goalkeeper drills, engaged in individual handling work with coach Pat Mountain as he builds up strength and comfort in his wrist.
The next step of the France Under-21 international's return to match-ready fitness is interesting with just under a month of the transfer window remaining.
City’s plan was originally to loan Max O’Leary out to a League One club, with Bajic initially serving as No2 to Bentley but the additional time the Frenchman needed to recover meant Nigel Pearson changed his decision. Both MK Dons and Exeter City were keen on signing the 25-year-old for the 2022/23 campaign but have since added goalkeepers from elsewhere.
Bentley’s future is also a little uncertain as the 29-year-old has less than a year on his contract at the club and is a possible target for Premier League Bournemouth this summer as Scott Parker looks to add another goalkeeper.
The Cherries have taken Alex Smithies and Jonas Lossl on unsuccessful trials and want an established ‘keeper to provide competition and back-up to No1 Mark Travers. Bentley’s contract situation leaves the Robins vulnerable to a bid which they’d find hard to reject, given he can depart for free next summer.
Under-21 goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards also wasn't present at Ashton Gate with the Robins keen to secure a loan move for the 20-year-old having spent some of last term with Gloucester City.
City have Under-21 fixtures against Barnsley (August 9) and Hull City (August 16) on the horizon which appear opportunities to get Bajic on the field in a proper match setting.
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