New Bristol City goalkeeper Stefan Bajic sought the advice of Han-Noah Massengo before following his countryman by making the move from France to the West Country.
Bajic was confirmed as City’s fourth summer signing on Tuesday, signing a three-year contract, subject to work visa clearance, having left Ligue 2 side Pau at the end of 2021/22. It will be the first time the 20-year-old has been based outside of France, having spent the majority of his career with Saint-Etienne, and has parallels with Massengo’s transfer three years ago.
Massengo, Bajic’s teammate at Under-19 level for France, swapped Monaco for Bristol in 2019 to play more first-team football and has 89 Championship appearances under his belt and settled with his family in the area, albeit with his own future beyond this summer uncertain as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
According to reports in France, Bajic also had offers from Valenciennes in France and Belgian side KV Oostende but conversations with Massengo helped him make his decision. In footage posted by the club, Massengo is seen embracing Bajic at the High Performance Centre as he undertakes a gym session with Strength & Conditioning coach Del Bonsu.
“Han-Noah is a friend and I played with him,” Bajic told Robins TV. “When I saw that Bristol City wanted to sign me, I spoke with Han-Noah and he told me that it’s a great club, with a great infrastructure and staff.
“The Championship is good because you play every three days and it’s the best area to progress and improve, because my goal is to progress day by day. 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.”
Massengo was not the only voice of reason for Bajic as he contacted Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, his competition for the France Under-21 jersey, who moved to England in 2019, initially on loan from Lorient, playing in the Championship and is now an established Premier League No1. “When I spoke with Illan, he told me in the English Championship you are more disciplined and it’s good to progress and to improve,” he added.
The 20-year-old’s position at City is very much of interest given captain Dan Bentley is the established No1, but is also entering the final year of his agreement at Ashton Gate, while No2 Max O’Leary is expected to be loaned out for the season, with MK Dons among the interested parties.
O'Leary played for City's Under-23s on Tuesday night as they won 6-1 at Paulton Rovers with Nigel Pearson present at The First4Pools Stadium.
Pearson also has Harvey Wiles-Richards and Will Buse below his senior goalkeepers but one will likely go on loan, with the other serving as third-choice for the season ahead.
Clearly, again similar to Massengo’s decision-making three years ago, Bajic has made this decision because he feels City are the best club for his development and career, both in the short and long-term.
“My ambition is to be the best, because I have a lot of dreams and it’s important to me to work with a great intensity in training to be ready for the game,” he said. “When you have a chance to play in the game, my goal is to help the team to win.”
City face Cheltenham Town in their first pre-season friendly on Wednesday at the Robins High Performance Centre but Bajic won’t be involved in the game as he’s carrying a minor wrist injury.
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