Bristol City fans may look on at Han-Noah Massengo’s progress in France with more than a tinge of frustration and regret but, in truth, there was little more the club could have done to manage the situation of the midfielder who’s set to depart the Robins this summer on a free transfer.
Having signed for Auxerre on loan until the end of the season, the latest snapshot of what could have been was on Friday night as the 21-year-old shone against Lyon in a 2-1 win that lifted them into 18th in Ligue 1 in their fight against relegation.
Somewhat prophetically Massengo won a penalty in the 51st minute as he dribbled into the 18-year box at pace after collecting possession just past halfway, and under 24 hours later his parent club ended their 469-day wait for a spot-kick, with Jay Dasilva fouled at Sunderland.
