CITY BOOST STRIKE FORCE
BENIK AFOBE JOINS AND MARLON PACK LEAVES IN BUSY TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY FOR THE ROBINS
BRISTOL City made two significant late moves as their 2019/20 summer transfer window ended with a bang.
The Robins finally found success when they managed to secure the loan signing of Benik Afobe, pictured below, from Stoke City in the final hours of the summer transfer window yesterday.
The 26-year-old’s signature means Lee Johnson’s side have finally got a striker with Championship experience. Only last January Afobe joined the Potters for a fee
believed to be around £12m, with the former Bournemouth man netting eight times in 45 appearances last season.
Afobe also has Premier League experience and has moved for fees totalling more than £30m in total.
Speaking to the club website BCFC.co.uk, City chief executive officer Mark Ashton said: “We have worked hard to get the signing completed and I am pleased to welcome him to Ashton Gate.
“We have already added quality across the pitch and this was another area we wanted to strengthen further as we strive to achieve our ambitions.
“Benik is someone we have watched for some time: he has a lot of experience, he’s proved his eye for goal and I am excited to see what he will do for Bristol City this season.”
Johnson added: “Benik is a proven goalscorer who will add to our attacking force this season. We believe he can find a home with us and we can provide him with the right environment for his goalscoring ability.”
However, City fans enjoying the news about Afobe may have had mixed feelings as they heard that the club’s longest serving player Marlon Pack had joined rivals Cardiff City.
Johnson had promised to be bold this summer and arguably this was the case as he dispensed with the club’s on-field captain right at the end of the window.
Pack joined City from Cheltenham in 2013 and his departure from the club leaves Korey Smith as the final remaining player from the 2014-15 Sky Bet League One title and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy double-winning side.
Johnson told the club website: “He is a fantastic person - as good an individual as I’ve worked with and has been a great servant and leader to this club, and I thank him on behalf of everyone, both staff and players.
“At this stage in his career and what was offered for him it makes this move the right decision for Marlon and Bristol City.”
Earlier yesterday Adam Nagy was unveiled as a City player. The Robins have signed the Hungarian international on a three-year deal from Bologna, with the option of an extra 12 months. Nagy told BCFC. co.uk: “I’m really excited, I have an adrenaline rush and I’m looking forward to the first training session with the team and the first game with the team. I’m really looking forward to this new adventure.
Johnson backed Nagy, who was the Robins’ 11th signing of the summer, to slot into the midfield and fit their style of play.
Johnson told the club’s website: “I’m delighted he has chosen us over a number of other possibilities and his energy and style of play will fit our team seamlessly.”
Jamie Paterson has joined Sky Bet Championship rivals Derby County on a season-long loan. The Robins have the option of a January recall and Paterson, 27 will not be eligible to play against City. The attacker joined City in 2016 and in 114 appearances scored 16 goals.
Meanwhile, Zak Vyner completed his loan move to Aberdeen.
The defender has agreed a loan deal at Pittodrie and was on the bench for his new club in Croatia for last night’s Europa League game against HNK Rijeka.
Vyner spent last season on loan at Rotherham United and now, under former Robins boss Derek McInnes, will be playing in the Scottish Premiership.
City’s long-standing target Eddie Nketiah, who failed to show for a medical at City this week before signing on loan with Leeds United