When Fally Mayulu signed for Bristol City from Rapid Vienna in July 2024, the move was viewed as a bold play for future potential.
A product of academies in France and Germany, Mayulu’s journey has already taken him through Lens, Wolfsburg, BW Linz and the Austrian Bundesliga before arriving in the Championship. His start in English football was electric—goals from the bench against Hull City and Millwall had fans dreaming of a breakout campaign. But limited opportunities, an ill-fated loan to Sturm Graz, and a managerial change left Mayulu’s progress in limbo.
Now, as Gerhard Struber takes charge at Ashton Gate, there’s renewed hope that the 22-year-old might yet become a valuable asset. Struber, who coached in the Austrian top flight while Mayulu was at Rapid Vienna, may be the ideal figure to revive the young striker’s City career.
New Manager, Fresh Opportunity
One of the biggest reasons to believe in a Mayulu revival is the arrival of Gerhard Struber. The Austrian head coach isn’t walking into the unknown—he managed Red Bull Salzburg during the 2023/24 season, directly observing Mayulu on the opposite touchline when Rapid Vienna were in town. That familiarity may prove vital. There’s even speculation that Struber’s new backroom team could include Thomas Hickersberger, who coached Mayulu at Rapid and recently left FC Köln.
Struber has a reputation for moulding technically gifted players into disciplined, tactically intelligent contributors. While Mayulu has been described as “technically very good” with “interesting attributes,” the general consensus from fans is that he needs to improve off the ball—particularly in pressing and positional discipline. If there’s a coach capable of extracting that from him, it’s probably one with Bundesliga pedigree and a knowledge of his game.
Attitude and Application Matter Most
Despite the new regime, Mayulu’s fate ultimately hinges on one thing: his own desire. Fans have repeatedly pointed out that the first conversation should be, “Do you really want to be here?” That’s not harsh—it’s reality. Mayulu has never hidden his potential, but last season he was a peripheral figure, and injuries curtailed his loan. With City preparing for another promotion push, patience will be limited.
Still, some fans believe Mayulu deserves a clean slate. If he applies himself during pre-season, there’s a place for him. But not as a guaranteed starter. With Nahki Wells now gone and Sinclair Armstrong’s future uncertain, Mayulu could end up either a vital rotational option or surplus to requirements. It’s all on him.
Does He Fit Struber’s System?
The tactical question looms large. Bristol City under Struber are expected to press high, with forwards playing an intense, off-the-ball role. It’s here that doubts emerge. The Robins haven’t seen enough pressing ability from Mayulu to suggest he’s a natural fit. He could work in a front two, which might offer a compromise—pairing him with a more industrious striker to reduce his defensive burden.
However, in a system that prizes energy and aggression as much as technical flair, Mayulu cannot hide. Struber won’t be sentimental. If Mayulu can’t adapt, he’ll be moved on. But if he does buy in, and Struber finds a way to harness his physicality and ball control, there’s still a path to redemption.
Expectation Could Be a Secret Weapon
In an ironic twist, Mayulu might benefit from the low expectations that now surround him. After such a disappointing first year, most fans don’t expect much. That could help. With little pressure and a new regime in place, he has space to quietly impress. In truth, the expectation couldn’t be much lower.
That in itself is a rare opportunity for a young player—there’s no spotlight now, just the grind of pre-season and a chance to work his way into Struber’s thinking. If he does, and City fans see a return to the exciting cameo-maker from last August, he could feel like a new signing altogether.
Conclusion
Fally Mayulu’s future at Bristol City remains uncertain—but unlike six months ago, it’s no longer bleak. A new manager who knows his background, a fanbase ready to be surprised, and a tactical structure that might just accommodate him—it’s not a bad place to restart. But talk is cheap. If Mayulu wants to kickstart his career in England, the time is now. Pre-season won’t just shape his year—it may define his career.
