The summer can always prove to be a difficult period surrounded by uncertainty for players and their immediate futures.
That's likely to be no different for a number of Bristol City players who are either approaching the ends of their contracts, have a year left on their deals or have just simply fallen out of favour in Nigel Pearson's side.
Premier League clubs are also likely to be watching the clubs' up and talents like a hawk eager not to miss out on some of the country's top talent - even if they do have to fork out a small fortune.
How City conducts business of their own could prove telling over the next few weeks with Pearson eager to get some early transfer business concluded swiftly. However, there's likely to be a number of setbacks over the next three months before the season gets underway on the first weekend of August.
Here, we detail the transfer status of every senior Bristol City player heading into the off-season...
Almost definitely staying
Max O'Leary
The City goalkeeper has cemented his No1 spot having taken the shirt from Dan Bentley in October and he will rightly head into the new season as first choice, although Nigel Pearson may look to bring in experience for welcome competition.
His performances were rewarded with a new contract in February, committing his future until 2026.
Rob Atkinson
Nigel Pearson described his new contract as a 'shot in the arm' for him after penning a new three-year contract at the end of last month while he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
From a selfish perspective, his injury would have ruled out any potential suitors with November a likely timeframe on his return to action because Atkinson has shown signs of becoming a top defender at this level.
Kal Naismith
A leader in the side and a key figure in Pearson's style of play with his progressive passes from the back. His delivery from set pieces are also another string to his bow.
At the age of 31, he still has two years left on his City contract but the only uncertainty surrounding his future is whether he plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back next season.
George Tanner
City have been keen to tie down their top young assets and that includes Tanner after he agreed fresh terms in March to commit his future until 2026.
Signed from Carlisle in 2021, the 23-year-old emerged as Pearson's first choice right-back towards the second half of the season and is set to play another big part going forward.
Mark Sykes
A successful debut campaign in the Championship and with Bristol City following his move from Oxford United on a free transfer. Has shown his versatility playing right-back, right wing-back, and as a winger.
He'll be looking to build on his achievements this season and he'll certainly be hoping to play higher up the field on a more consistent basis next campaign.
Matty James
Pearson's trustee lieutenant in the middle of the park. His levels of consistency throughout the season deserve huge credit and he adds organisation in front of the back four.
A manager's dream and although he's entering the final year of his contract, it's incomprehensible to see City letting him leave this summer.
Harry Cornick
Having joined in January from Luton, Cornick will be looking forward to a full pre-season with his new side and the chance to kick on next season. Has yet to show what he's fully capable of although there's been some glimpses of how effective he can be playing out on the wide right.
Anis Mehmeti
See above. Showed glimpses of his class but needs time to adapt to Pearson's style of play having joined in January from Wycombe Wanderers where he forged his reputation under Gareth Ainsworth.
Could become a big player for City next season either on the left or in the No10 but will be competing alongside Sam Bell for a starting role.
Ayman Benarous
The Bristol-born midfielder has faced a cruel setback in his promising career with two ACL injuries. He'll miss the beginning of next season with no timeframe on his recovery but he'll be hoping to make up for lost time when he eventually works his way back to full fitness.
Sam Bell
Became a regular in the first-team following the turn of the year and his winner against Swansea in the FA Cup looked to be the catalyst to earn regular minutes. Still needs to find that consistency but his pace on the counter and energy closing down opponents fits into the way Pearson wants his side to play.
Nahki Wells
Hitting double figures is a good effort from the striker who looked destined to leave the club last summer. His performances and attitude saw him sign a new contract on reduced terms until 2025 back in December to cap off his turnaround at City.
Adds experience in the attack and is also an important mentor for the likes of Sam Bell and Tommy Conway - a big dressing room influence.
Tommy Conway
A brilliant breakthrough season that saw him win the Golden Boot with 12 goals across all competitions. Is likely to be City's main man in attack going forward and another successful season in the Championship could see some Premier League clubs come sniffing.
Is likely to already have a few admirers but it would take a large offer for City to even consider letting him leave and Conway will know he'll benefit from playing regularly under Pearson.
Questions remain
Zak Vyner
His superb season was rewarded with the Bristol City Player's Player of the Season - encapsulating his turnaround in fortunes in BS3 after seemingly heading for the exit last summer.
Vyner's contract expires in 2024 meaning they have may to make a decision on his future this summer or risk losing him for a nominal fee in January or nothing in 12 months' time if a deal can't be agreed. Rogue links with Brentford last month also suggest other clubs have paid attention to his impressive season.
Stefan Bajic (loan)
Will return this summer from his loan spell with French side Valenciennes. Has found his time in Ligue 2 difficult after being left out of the matchday squad in their last four league matches.
Based on his testing spell in France, it seems unlikely he'll challenge for the No1 spot next season, and another temporary spell, preferably in England, could be in order - especially if a more experienced stopper comes through the door.
Harvey Wiles-Richard (loan)
Emerged as City's second-choice stopper following the swift departure of Nikita Haikin and his new contract signed in March, until next summer, proves they want to keep him for the immediate future.
Ideally, City may want to allow the 20-year-old to gain first-team experience on a loan deal having only had a previous spell with non-league Gloucester City. However, any potential move is likely to come towards the end of the window when there's more clarity over the goalkeeping situation.
Joe Williams
Entering the final year of his contract at City which naturally raises questions about his immediate future. After some torrid spells with injuries, Williams featured 33 times in the Championship this season although that hamstring problem picked up against Cardiff has left doubts going forward.
A top player on his day, he'll be an asset to most sides in this league if he can stay fit. However, rivals are unlikely to take the risk due to his past injury record.
Andi Weimann
City's club captain is unlikely to leave this summer but questions over where he will fit into the side heading into next season are justified. The switch to a back four has limited the impact he has had on games and with the strength in depth in the attack, Weimann may be limited to mostly substitute appearances.
He's a terrific option to have in the squad, providing that injection of energy later on in matches which must prove a nightmare for defenders. It's also worth noting he is heading into the final year of his deal.
Andy King
Pearson wants to keep the veteran at his boyhood for yet another year with his contract set to expire at the end of next month. There's been no announcement yet of his immediate future and whether he'll continue in a similar playing/coaching role.
The manager said of King last month: “He’s a member of staff, isn’t he, so hopefully he’ll still be a member of staff next year who plays." However until that deal is signed, doubts will remain over his next move.
Cam Pring
It would seem highly unlikely that he would move on this summer but it is possible that Pring's excellent season may be attracting interest from elsewhere. Interest in Joe Bryan and Jack Currie does raise question marks although it would provide healthy competition at left-back.
Has a contract until 2024 but with a year's option so City do have financial security this summer and going forward although they'll be eager to extend that sooner rather than later.
Possible departures
Kane Wilson
Despite all the hype of his summer arrival, Wilson's season at City has been nothing short of a major disappointment. The 23-year-old failed to make a league start having also missed around three months with a knee injury.
Failed to make the matchday squad in the final six Championship matches and didn't appear to travel with the squad on the final day. City's move to a back four could also limit his opportunities heading into next season.
Alex Scott
The 19-year-old midfielder looks destined for the Premier League with countless sides monitoring his situation at City. If a team matches the club's £25million price-tag, Scott is likely to be sold if it's the right move for him.
His poignant ovation in front of the travelling City supporters at QPR seems to suggest he'll be off but ultimately, he will only leave if a top flight club make a suitable offer.
Tomas Kalas
There's a contract on the table for the central defender but as we edge ever closer to the expiration of his contract, it's seemingly less likely that he'll stay at the club beyond his four years.
A top defender when fit, his injury record this season has cast doubt whether his body can deal with the rigours of Championship football going forward. Pearson remains a massive fan and would like to keep him around but the 29-year-old would have to take a significant pay reduction.
Dylan Kadji (loan)
Will return to the squad this summer following a difficult loan spell with Swindon. Started his time in League Two with promise but struggled as the season went on, earning one start in their final 13 matches.
Unlikely to force his way into the midfield reckoning next season and therefore is likely to head out on another loan deal.
Jay Dasilva
Would be a surprise if Dasilva signs a new contract at City with his deal expiring next month. Was left out of the last matchday squad of the season and appeared to share a farewell with supporters.
Won't be short of interest with Coventry and Swansea believed to have an interest while City are also pursuing left-backs of their own in former player Joe Bryan and AFC Wimbledon's Jack Currie.
Owura Edwards
The tricky winger has spent the season on loan with Ross County in the Scottish top flight, scoring three and assisting two in 26 league appearances. At the age of 22, he still has time and force his way into Pearson's plans but it does seem unlikely given the options in attack.
His contract expires at the end of next month but the club have a year option to extend that deal, which would provide some financial security.
No future
Taylor Moore
Has never been fancied by Pearson ever since his appointment in 2021 and his season-long loan with Shrewsbury under Steve Cotterill takes him to the end of his contract at Ashton Gate this summer.
The 25-year-old has been an integral figure for the Shrews this season playing 42 times in the league with his versatility proving key in Cotterill's plans. Will leave on a free transfer and it could turn his loan deal into a permanent one.
Han-Noah Massengo
Didn't get his move last summer after deciding against signing a new contract and fell out of favour in Pearson's first-team plans following the 3-0 loss to Birmingham in October. Secured a loan move to Auxerre in January where he has largely impressed and that will only help his cause when it comes to attracting contract offers this summer when his deal comes to an end.
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