Bristol City Confirm Transfer Decision Regarding League One Star
Championship side Bristol City have released a statement confirming their stance regarding their intentions in regards to one of League One’s current standout talents and where his future beyond the January transfer window lies.
Liam Manning’s side are currently fixed within an ongoing play-off battle in the Championship, with Saturday’s draw against Oxford United seeing the football club drop down to ninth in the table, remaining two points off the top six though the battle to finish in that area is being fought between at least nine other teams.
Although many eyes during a transfer window are fixed on potential incomings or fresh departures, clubs across the country have key decisions to make when it comes to their loan department, whether that’s terminating loan deals, extending moves or opting to keep players where they are.
One player who’s future is likely to have been discussed in detail is playmaker Josh Stokes, who is currently on loan with League One strugglers Cambridge United.
According to a statement on the club’s website, Bristol City have confirmed that they will not be recalling Stokes from his loan spell with Cambridge and he instead will see out the remainder of the campaign with the League One side.
Stokes joined Bristol City last January for an undisclosed fee, but remained with Aldershot Town until the summer. Upon his return, he made his debut during an EFL Cup defeat against Coventry City before being loaned out to Cambridge United.
Initially, it was a very strong start to the season for Stokes in League One as he contributed to three assists in his first four matches before suffering an injury which ruled him out until December.
He made his return during a 4-1 win against Shrewsbury Town before scoring his first goal next time out as the club were beaten by Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy.
Currently, the 20-year-old has contributed to four goals in his last four games for Cambridge United in League One and overall has provided eight goals/assists in 16 appearances in all competitions.
Bristol City have been busy in terms of outgoings so far during the ongoing transfer window, but with Stokes they have confirmed that he will stay put in League One and will rejoin the club for pre-season this summer.
Confirming their decision within their statement, the club said:
‘Our three existing loanees Jamie Knight-Lebel, Josh Stokes and Seb Palmer-Houlden will remain with their respective clubs as we feel that the experience that they will gain will improve their chances of being part of the first team squad next season.’
The ending of this section showcases that Stokes is very much in the plans at Ashton Gate and could establish himself as a Championship regular for Bristol City next season.
Due to Stokes competing for Bristol City in the EFL Cup earlier this season, the Championship side were left with only two options when it came to the playmaker and the remainder of the campaign.
Either he was recalled during the current transfer window and subsequently used as a squad option for Bristol City, or he stayed on loan with Cambridge where he’s beginning to show a high level of consistency.
If Stokes hadn’t had featured in the EFL Cup, Bristol City could have recalled him and sent him to another EFL side on loan for the remainder of the campaign, but on this occasion that was not possible.
Stokes will now see out the 2024/25 campaign with Cambridge United as they remain in an ongoing battle to avoid relegation this season.
Read more on;https://sportupdates.co.uk
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