Manning On Nahki Wells’ Future At City
Liam Manning, the Bristol City head coach, has acknowledged that Nahki Wells’s future at Ashton Gate remains undecided, with discussions still needed before a final decision can be made.
The Bermuda striker, whose contract expires this summer, was instrumental in City’s push for the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, scoring ten goals in 39 league appearances this season.
Wells joined City from Burnley in January 2020 for £5 million [$6.2 million]. While Manning has repeatedly expressed a desire to retain the 34-year-old striker, he concedes that financial constraints could determine the outcome.
“Not at this point,” Manning told Bristol Live when asked if there was any update on Wells’s contract situation.
“It’s difficult to commit to a timeframe, you look at Joe Williams last summer, it took a while to get there.
“I’ve made it quite clear my stance and what I think, but ultimately it is one where the discussions need to happen to conclude what it looks like.
“Budgets play a big part. I think where we’re at the stage now, is that the season is done.
“I think finalising those, what they look like and the impact that has on what we’re able to do and what the business looks like in the summer, that kind of kicks into gear.”
Before City’s 3–0 defeat away to Sheffield United in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals on Monday, Wells expressed hope that the match would not be his final outing in a City shirt.
“Hopefully, God willing, it’s not my last game for Bristol City, but at the minute that is the case,” Well said. “I’m not looking past tomorrow.
“I know tomorrow might be the last time I put on the shirt, and it’s about going out there, whether it be from the start or the bench, and just giving it my all.
“It’s clear to everyone that my future is very uncertain at the moment. I don’t know what’s going on, the club might, but we’ll cross that bridge when we do.”
