Max O’Leary admits Bristol City feels like “home” to him after the goalkeeper agreed a new three-and-a-half year contract at Ashton Gate to continue what has been an impressive season for the Robins academy product.
O’Leary was one of seven senior first-team members scheduled to become a free agent this summer, albeit with the club holding a 12-month option on his previous agreement, but having opened talks around December the 26-year-old is under fresh terms until 2026.
The Bath-born goalkeeper, who first joined the club at Under-11 level, made his debut for the Robins in 2016 but has had to bide his time before establishing himself as No1, operating as a deputy to Frank Fielding and Dan Bentley and spending time on loan at Shrewsbury Town, Kidderminster Harriers and Solihull Moors.
He very nearly left the club last summer, with Exeter City keen to sign him, but after Stefan Bajic arrived from France with a wrist injury that took longer than first envisaged to heal, Nigel Pearson retained O'Leary in his squad.
After taking the gloves in October his steady performances between the posts have eliminated any doubt in Pearson’s mind as to who his first-choice is, further evidenced by the decision to sell Bentley to Wolves in January.
“I’m really pleased to sign a new deal at the club, I’ve been here a long time so it’s great my journey can continue,” said O’Leary. “Bristol City is all I’ve known in the footballing world, it’s home to me. It’s been a massive part of my life growing up so I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
As it stands, O’Leary is the only senior goalkeeper under contract at Ashton Gate for next season with Nikita Haikin’s short-term deal expiring in the summer while third-choice Harvey Wiles-Richards is also out of contract.
O’Leary’s signature does lessen the anxiety of having so many players on expiring deals heading into the summer. As it stands that number is at six, with Bristol Live understanding talks have taken place with Zak Vyner, while negotiations with Tomas Kalas are based on whether the Czech Republic international can prove his fitness over the rest of the campaign.
Unless there is a change in approach with Jay Dasilva - which, admittedly, could still happen - the left-back is expected to leave with Coventry City the most likely destination for the former Chelsea academy defender. Andy King could well continue in a player/coach role, while Han-Noah Massengo and Taylor Moore are expected to depart on free transfers.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
