Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Situation cannot go on and on – Pearson
NIGEL Pearson wants clarity over Han-Noah Massengo’s contract situation – admitting he does not want the stand-off to drag on much longer as he prepares to rebuild his squad for next season.
The Bristol City boss confirmed the uncertainty over extending the stay of Massengo at Ashton Gate has meant minutes for the midfielder, 20, have been limited. The Frenchman has started just one game in the last six matches, which came in the absence of Joe Williams in the draw at home to Sheffield United.
Massengo’s contract expires next summer and CEO Richard Gould has admitted that the club have made him “a good offer” to commit his future at the Robins.
Pearson remains hopeful that the player will sign his contract, but also remains realistic about the possibility him leavintg and highlighted the importance of generating as much transfer income as possible.
“My perspective on it is, what he’s been offered, he has been offered, so he either takes it or leaves it,” he said. “So if he decides not to sign it then it’s in our interests to try to get as much money as we can for him because it’s not about individuals and agendas. He’s a lovely lad. He’s played well for us, very committed.
“I don’t have a problem with him at all. There doesn’t have to be a time limit on it, but there needs to be clarity on what the situation means to us and, hopefully, he will re-sign, but if he doesn’t, then we’ll look elsewhere because we have to.
“I don’t think it’s in anybody’s interest for it to drag on because everybody needs a little bit of clarity.
“We’ve had conversations over the last few weeks and I’ve been very open with him to say that if he’s not committing his long-term future he can’t expect to start either. He accepts that because the team is more important than individuals.
“He’s a super lad to have around the place, he’s a decent player. He’s got room to improve even more. What I can’t do, is I can’t answer the question on his behalf. What I can do is only answer it on what I think is the best outcome for us.”
Massengo joined City in 2019 from Monaco for an initial £2.7 million fee – a deal that could rise to £7m with add-ons. His potential has seen him linked with Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, and Watford, West Ham and Freiburg more recently, as well as French giants Lyon.
Pearson added: “We’ve invested a lot of time and energy and money in his development and so, in our situation, it’s right that we get a return on that. That’s the way it is.”
City conclude their Championship campaign at play-off-bound side Huddersfield today.