Bristol City's signing of Stefan Bajic is another exciting reminder that the club continue to invest time and money in young, talented players with bright futures.
It's also particularly encouraging knowing the Robins have a scouting network that can pluck the keeper from Ligue 2 in France as he embarks on a new chapter in his blossoming career.
Bajic, 20, may not make an instant impact in the City squad and there's certainly a keen eye on the future after landing the towering stopper on a free transfer. His CV up until now cannot be underestimated having already featured in the French top league, becoming St Etienne's youngest ever player to start a Ligue 1 match three months before his 18th birthday.
He has also represented France at every youth level from Under-16 onwards, including playing for his country alongside Han-Noah Massengo for the U19 side. Eager for more first-team opportunities, he left Saint-Etienne midway through last season to drop down a division and sign for Pau.
Bajic made 15 appearances in total for Pau, instantly becoming a regular in their side upon his arrival including keeping back-to-back clean sheets in his first two matches away at Dijon and then in a home game against Caen. It was only in his ninth match did Bajic concede more than one goal for his last club.
We spoke to the guys at reputable St Etienne supporter account ActuSainte to provide their insight on Bajic's story, character and potential as he waits patiently for his City debut in his recovery from a minor wrist injury.
They told us: "Stefan Bajic is a very promising young goalkeeper. He is a big talent in the making and is currently building a reputation with the French U23 team, which he joined relatively early.
"He joined the French national team at a really young age and therefore has a big reputation among the staff and coaches. He is well-known among the national group as was named in Les Bleus' Olympic 2020 team.
"At St Etienne, he was forced to remain third choice but was touted to one day replace long-standing No1 Stephane Ruffier, having signed a three-year contract with the club in 2018. The stopper, 35, spent 10 years as the club's main keeper and made just under 400 appearances.
"Although he left St-Etienne with unfinished business following a lack of playing time. Despite being Ruffier's successor, he would, unfortunately, lose his place to Étienne Green in 2021. Stopper Jessy Moulin was injured and so was Bajic. In the wake of this Etienne Green played and confirmed his place.
"The young goalkeeper never really had the opportunity to showcase his talent and only played only nine professional games in the green shirt (seven in Ligue 1 and two French Cup games). It should be noted that with Saint-Étienne, he conceded one goal every 33 minutes...
"His departure was confirmed in January 2022 when keeper Paul Bernardoni arrived on loan during the winter transfer window. Although Les Stephanois didn't have much of an opportunity to see him in action, we saw he is a goalkeeper with good reflexes, he likes to come off his line and is rather comfortable in the air. He is not clumsy with his footwork either and coaches have also commented and praised his mentality and dedication to work harder.
"Despite his young age, he is ambitious and wants to be the main man. He told an interview with Goal when failed to secure his position as the club's No1: 'I am a competitor and the fact that I lost my place, I saw it as a failure.'
"To us, if he fulfils his promise, he can quickly become a starter at Bristol City. We compare him to a future Illan Meslier: a French goalkeeper, who is now an established Premier League goalkeeper with Leeds after playing in the Championship. In three or four years, he will be at the level to play in the Premier League."
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