Antoine Semenyo has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks and Nigel Pearson’s pre-season preparations have taken an early knock before the squad has even returned to the High Performance Centre.
Semenyo’s attributes make him a crucial player in Pearson’s counter-attacking system, both as scorer, provider and presser out of possession, and there isn’t a player in the Robins squad quite like the Ghanaian international.
But all is not lost and although the reaction among the City fanbase has, understandably, been of disappointment and, to a point, trepidation for the new season, it might not quite be as devastating as first thought. Here are four good reasons to remain optimistic, before Semenyo’s hopeful return in September…
Transfer status
It’s cruel to say, but it also can’t be ignored: if Semenyo doesn’t, as expected right now, return until early September, that removes virtually any chance of him being bought this summer, unless a team wants to take a wild, expensive and potentially risky swing at an injured player with an impressive but relatively small body of work.
That, in turn, means he’s a City player at least until the January 2023 window which, I think we can all agree on, is no bad thing, as tough as it must be to take for the player himself.
That’s not to say that Semenyo has been pushing for a move, or necessarily considering one, but it has to have been on his mind - the prospect of becoming a Premier League footballer after such a huge breakout season.
Sadly, that’s probably gone but, of course, the 22-year-old should achieve that dream in some way, shape or form - whether that be for City or someone else. We hope, for course, the former.
But returning to the Robins, they’re now most likely not going to be put in the position of having to make decisions over what constitutes value in the market for him, and what bids are good or bad. It takes a lot of stress out of the situation for Pearson and CEO Richard Gould and can help crystallise focus elsewhere.
That comes with a caveat, because had a significant offer arrived - one that simply couldn’t be turned down ala Adam Webster in 2019 - then that would all-but secure City’s Profit & Sustainability status for 2023. But that’s also a hypothetical and the reality is that City, at least for four months, will retain one of the hottest attacking prospects outside of the Premier League.
They’ll also surely be activating that 12-month option at some stage, to extend his terms into 2024, knowing that Semenyo won’t be sold this summer.
Wells’ wait is over
Pearson insisted on BBC Radio Bristol that he hasn’t told Nahki Wells he isn’t part of plans for next season, as has widely been assumed, given the Bermudian’s lack of gametime last season and his expiring contract coupled with a wage that the club would probably quite like to get off the books.
Wells is therefore in a bit of a strange position at Ashton Gate in the sense he’s very much well-liked and appreciated by his manager, holds the status - at least in economic terms - of being a premier player, yet made just seven starts last season.
Clubs have tried and failed to sign him over the last two transfer windows and the 32-year-old has been open in admitting he's been willing to listen to and consider offers because, quite simply, at this stage of his career he just wants to play.
When you factor all this in, Pearson’s claims last month are a little curious. Wells would be going into the season as fourth-choice, on a contract that will cost the club in excess of £1m, and has himself said he wants to play more. It just doesn’t seem to make much sense beyond just some kind words from the manager.
However, what’s clear is Wells’ quality and he remains an established and effective Championship player who, costly salary aside, enhances the City squad. He brings pace, finishing and an ability to play on the shoulder of defenders giving midfielders extra options in the final third. Plus his link-up play is a little underrated in how he operates on the edge of the penalty area.
In reality, unless an offer from MLS is forthcoming - with their second transfer window running from July 7-August 4 - City aren’t going to get much in the market for a 32-year-old who becomes a free agent next summer, bar a saving on his wage.
With Semenyo out until September, it may just convince the club that Wells is worth holding onto for the season ahead as he’s an easy option to plug in alongside Chris Martin - although, in mitigation, the Wells-Martin-Weimann combo wasn’t as successful as hoped during the October/November period they played together; the counter being that City did change their style of play and approach after December, with a more dynamic and counter-attacking game now suiting Wells.
The Bermudian could have 5+ games as a starter to really hit the ground running, as a means of forcing his way back into first-team consideration or, from a selfish perspective, helping him earn a good contract next summer when he becomes a free agent.
Scott or Skyes step forward
The obvious alternative to Wells, should he be sold, would be to shift Weimann forward alongside Martin and deploy Alex Scott in the No10 role vacated by the Austrian.
It’s long been considered that Scott’s specialist position is as an advanced playmaker - although, from a personal point of view, he’s likely to eventually migrate into becoming a dynamic No8 - but last season his tactically flexibility meant he played all over the park, most notably at right wing-back.
Scott’s technique, vision and growing ability to pick late runs into the penalty area certainly make him an exciting prospect as a playmaker who can do much more than just create. Plus, as Pearson noted at the start of last season when he was selected ahead of the more experienced Kasey Palmer, he’s an excellent presser out of possession.
It also enables him to play with a two-man defensive midfield shield behind him - let’s say Joe Williams and Matty James - and the freedom to roam, not just in central areas but perhaps drift to the flanks, as Weimann occasionally does.
It should be said, however, that Weimann and Scott are vastly different players and one of City’s strength in the system that Pearson played for much of the season was that the Robins golden boot winner could collect possession in transition, turn and use his pace and direct running to either attack space or get at defenders.
Scott, of course, is of a similar persuasion with his willingness to isolate defenders, before a stepover or a dribble frees up space, but he doesn’t possess the same raw acceleration as Weimann, so could ever so slightly alter the dynamic of City’s counter-attacks.
That could then bring in Mark Sykes. We’re not yet sure exactly where the summer arrival will be best deployed but his signing was precisely for these sort of circumstances; if there’s a hole in the attacking third that needs filling, Sykes can be Pearson’s man.
The 24-year-old can be a Weimann-esque 10, with his forward momentum, or could even play alongside Martin in a two, or a wide three, depending on how Pearson wants to line up.
Conway and Bell gametime
Wells is also part of this conversation as, depending on how the window plays out, one of Tommy Conway or Sam Bell could find themselves elevated to third-choice striker for the early part of the season.
Should the Bermudian be sold and Semenyo not return until September, with Weimann moved up alongside Martin, that leaves academy duo Conway and Bell as his next options.
Whether or not the manager will be happy with that is unclear, although it will only be for a limited time and he has constantly and consistently praised both, not just for their ability but overall attitude and application.
Conway probably looks the most likely at the most, given most of his minutes have been either off the bench as a central attacker or in a slightly wider forward role; Bell, as we know, has akin to Scott been moved all over the park, again used as an auxiliary right-back.
We're not suggesting either are an immediate starting consideration, certainly not ahead of the options above, but if Wells' role is elevated, Conway or Bell then become the first or second attacking option off the bench, depending on how Sykes will be used.
Both have good pace and line-breaking ability and although very raw, are nice options to have if - as expected - Semenyo only missed the first five or so games. It also accelerates their development as first-team players, having been on the periphery of selection, giving the manager very obvious evidence as to where they are in terms of their overall progression and ability to play in the Championship.
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