Pearson ‘realistic’ about Massengo’s future with the Robins
NIGEL Pearson said Bristol City are still negotiating a contract with Han-Noah Massengo but admitted he is a realist about the midfielder’s future at the club.
The 20-year-old’s deal expires in 2023, meaning this summer could be the last opportunity to cash in or risk losing him for nothing - something Pearson is not eager to entertain.
In City’s financial situation, the chances of letting Massengo run his contract down into next season remain slim, especially considering the interest his performances have generated throughout the two previous campaigns.
Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have reportedly scouted the Frenchman in the past, while Bundesliga club Freiburg were apparently willing to pay £6 million for him and Watford had a summer bid turned down in the region of £8.3m last summer.
Massengo was the poster boy for City’s announcement of Hummel’s six-year contract extension on Tuesday, leaving some speculating that he will remain at Ashton Gate heading into next season.
But, while Pearson admitted talks remain ongoing, he confirmed he doesn’t know what the future holds beyond the summer and the club will be reluctant to be left in the unknown over his situation.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game at Bournemouth, Pearson said: “I wasn’t aware he was front and centre so thanks for letting me know - he’s contracted to the club and he’s been a good performer for
us this season as he has been last season.
“We’re still trying to negotiate a new deal with him but outside of that, I don’t think you can read into that or not. I’ve already said that what’s important is that we don’t allow players to run the clock down and that’s my view.
“Whether that’s shared by the club, and to my knowledge it is, I think with Han-Noah being involved in a shoot like that confirms what we all think and that is, we would like him to stay here longer but I don’t have a crystal
ball. I can’t tell you how that’s going to go in the summer but I’m just very realistic about these type of things.”
Massengo was signed in the summer of 2019 for an initial fee of £2.7m, which also included addons but his value has continued to rise having become an important figure in Pearson’s side.
He has made more than 80 Championship appearances over three years, highlighting his ability and potential which will not leave him short of potential suitors when the market opens.
After posting losses of £38.4 million, a significant reason for the high figure was the inability to offload previous assets, having seen the likes of Liam Walsh and Famara Diedhiou leaving the club on free transfers.
Massengo is just one of several City players whose futures remain uncertain beyond the summer with Timm Klose, Robbie Cundy, Callum O’Dowda and Andy King out of contract at the end of the season - although the club do hold a year’s option on the latter pair.