Bristol City head coach Liam Manning has confirmed that striker Nahki Wells a new deal will be offered a new contract before the end of the season.
The 34-year-old has been a huge hit at Ashton Gate since arriving from Burnley in 2020. He has hit 45 goals for the Robins in 220 appearances and despite being in the twilight of his career, is showing no signs of slowing down.
Wells has scored in his last two outings for City, bringing his season tally to seven. This has helped the club move up the table in recent weeks and they currently sit eighth in the Championship, three points off the play-off places.
Manning Keen To Extend Wells’ Stay
The former Bradford City attacker is coming to the end of a two-and-a-half-year deal that was signed in 2022. As things stand, he is free to leave at the end of the current campaign. However, Manning has confirmed that he would like the veteran to continue his stint at the club, although there haven’t been any discussions as of yet. Speaking to Bristol Live, the head coach said:
“That’s still all to be sorted at the moment. There’s no news on that. I have no idea (if there is interest in him).
“They’re the conversations that have to happen in the near future about what that looks like. You don’t wait that late (the end of the season). I think the timing is everything. The dialogue will happen.
“Naturally, when people are out of contract, people will wonder what’s happening. In terms of where you look at it, there are obviously levels when it comes down to discussion, budgets and bits and pieces like that. There are so many factors that go into it. Nahki loves being here I think if you ask him that, I love working with Nahki and I think he’s really important to the group.”
Writer’s View
Wells may be entering the latter years of his contract, but he is still showing his worth in front of goal. Bristol City are quietly hoping they can sneak into the play-offs this season and they will be keen to do so without rumours of the striker’s future hanging over them. Manning’s comments indicate that both the player and the club are happy for their relationship to continue. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a new deal sorted in the next couple of months.
