Bristol City
Bristol City signing this prolific £6m star would add some much-needed depth
Why Andraz Sporar could be a real coup for Bristol City
According to Bristol Live, Bristol City are weighing up a move for Slovenian international striker Andraz Sporar, who currently plies his trade with Slovan Bratislava in the Slovakian top-flight.
Bristol Live understands that the Robins are in the January market for a couple of additions to bolster their striking ranks and Sporar has emerged as a target after being scouted extensively by the club’s recruitment team.
Bristol City, though, will need to beat off stiff competition from reigning Scottish champions Celtic and Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv in their pursuit of the 25-year-old striker, who is rated at £6million by Slovan Bratislava. (h/t Bristol Live)
With Arsenal recalling Eddie Nketiah from his loan spell at Leeds United, the England U-21 international continues to be the club’s No.1 target, while Liverpool academy prospect Rhian Brewster and forgotten Crystal Palace star Connor Wickham have also been linked with moves to Ashton Gate in January. (h/t Bristol Live)
Sporar, who plundered 50 goals in 112 appearances for Olimpija Ljubljana in his homeland, struggled to make an impact at Basel in the Swiss top-flight but he has enjoyed a strong resurgence at Slovan Bratislava since his move to the Slovakian giants back in January 2018.
Having racked up 34 goals in 36 appearances for Bratislava across all competitions last term, Sporar has already struck 20 goals in 26 outings across various league, cup and European competitions so far this season.
Despite Bratislava finishing 3rd behind Wolves and Braga in Group K and bowing out of the UEFA Europa League in the group stages, the Slovenian international impressed with 5 goals and 2 assists in 6 games, including a goal in a 2-1 defeat against Wolves on Matchday 3.
Meanwhile, Bristol City slipped down to 11th in the standings with yet another disappointing 4-0 defeat against Brentford on New Year’s Day.
The Robins had been flying high up the table but a poor run of results which has seen them win only one out of their last six league games has brought them crashing out down to the earth.
Fortunately, though, the Robins are still only a couple of points adrift of the playoff spots, and with plenty of games still left to be played, Lee Johnson has enough time left to arrest the slide and get the club’s campaign back on track in the coming months.
To put things into perspective, Bristol City are currently short of striking options since the cruciate ligament injury to Stoke City loanee Benik Afobe earlier in the season and an in-form striker like Andraz Sporar could be a handsome addition to the ranks at Ashton Gate.
Famara Diedhiou and Andreas Weimann have emerged as Johnson’s preferred pairing up top since Afobe’s injury, and while the duo has scored 15 goals together so far, the Robins don’t really have much depth beyond their first-choice strike partnership.
Sporar’s incredible strike rate in the Slovakian top-flight hardly guarantees success in the EFL Championship but the 25-year-old is certainly worth a punt for Bristol City in January given that he has proven his worth against some top-quality opposition in the Europa League this term.
Bratislava’s asking price of £6million could be a stumbling block but the Robins showed in the summer that they aren’t afraid to fork out big amounts of cash, with Han-Noah Massengo and Tomas Kalas coming through the door at Ashton Gate.
Verdict
Profiled by Bristol Live as a technically-gifted striker with good physical attributes and strong aerial prowess, Sporar excels with his link-up play, ability to get into dangerous areas inside the box and proficiency in scoring goals with both feet.
That coupled with his excellent record in the Europa League this term means that Sporar could well be the man to add another dimension to Bristol City’s attack while also providing some valuable cover for the likes of Diedhiou and Weimann.
More Bristol City News
- Why Bristol City should reignite their interest Britt Assombalonga in January
- Why Bristol City should trigger contract extension for Niclas Eliasson
- Why Bristol City have struck gold with a new deal for Joe Morrell
Suffice to say, Andraz Sporar is certainly a risk worth taking for the Robins as they look to push on for a top-six finish in the Championship.
Bristol City have secured teenage goalkeeper Hope McSheffrey from Arsenal on a permanent transfer, adding youth development talent to their squad ahead of their Women’s Super League 2 campaign.
The 18-year-old stopper arrives following establishment within Arsenal’s academy structures where she impressed at Professional Game Academy League level, demonstrating genuine goalkeeping potential within elite development environment.
McSheffrey brings practical senior experience accumulated through dual-registration arrangements with Watford and Hashtag United within the FA Women’s National League system. That competitive exposure beyond pure academy football suggests readiness for progression beyond developmental structures while establishing genuine foundation for continued advancement through professional competition.
Young Talent Attracted by Promotion Ambitions
McSheffrey expressed genuine enthusiasm regarding Bristol City’s project, specifically highlighting the club’s promotion ambitions as decisive factor influencing her permanent commitment. Her language suggests belief in Bristol City’s competitive trajectory while indicating confidence regarding her capability to contribute meaningfully toward their advancement objectives.
The goalkeeper’s excitement regarding joining the squad alongside acknowledgement of the opportunity’s significance suggests appropriate mentality for managing transition from elite academy environment toward competitive second tier football. Her recognition of squad quality combined with genuine pleasure regarding squad membership indicates positive integration foundation.
Bristol City Continue Strategic Squad Development
McSheffrey becomes Bristol City’s fifth summer signing, suggesting deliberate squad reinforcement supporting their promotional campaign. The club’s continued recruitment activity indicates serious ambitions regarding their Women’s Super League 2 title challenge, with McSheffrey providing young goalkeeper development alongside competitive security.
This signing feels strategically important for Bristol City’s goalkeeping future. Rather than simply relying upon established performers, they identify emerging talent from elite academies capable of immediate contribution while offering sustained development potential. McSheffrey’s Arsenal background suggests quality sufficient for second tier competition while her youthful profile ensures significant progression runway moving forward.
Also read: Bristol City Sign Finland International Lotta Lindström From London City Lionesses on Permanent Deal
Bristol City
Bristol City Sign Finland International Lotta Lindström From London City Lionesses on Permanent Deal
Bristol City have completed the signing of Finnish forward Lotta Lindström from London City Lionesses on a permanent multi-year contract. The 21-year-old striker arrives following a challenging injury recovery period highlighted by a successful loan spell at Birmingham City that demonstrated her goalscoring capabilities at elite level.
Lindström joined London City in January 2024 from Finnish club HJK and initially impressed with three goals across six appearances during the 2023-24 campaign. Her trajectory was disrupted by a serious ACL injury that sidelined her for extended periods throughout the 2024-25 season, limiting her competitive exposure during crucial development years.
Loan Success Validates Return to Competitive Football
The forward’s Birmingham City loan spell proved transformative for her recovery and confidence. Despite limited appearances, Lindström scored three goals across 10 outings in Women’s Super League 2, including a maiden hat-trick in English football during Birmingham’s 5-1 demolition of Nottingham Forest in February. That goalscoring return demonstrated genuine quality despite her lengthy injury absence.
Birmingham’s successful promotion campaign provided crucial competitive platform for Lindström to rebuild match fitness and confidence following her ACL recovery. Her clinical finishing during the loan spell suggested readiness for sustained top flight or second tier football.
Bristol City Pursue Promotion Ambitions
Bristol City clearly identified Lindström as integral to their Women’s Super League 2 promotion ambitions moving forward. Her recent goalscoring form combined with international experience provides genuine attacking quality within second tier competition. The Robins’ targeting of an established forward suggests serious promotion intent rather than developmental investment.
This signing feels strategically sound for Bristol City’s competitive trajectory. Lindström arrives with proven goalscoring record at her level, combining immediate quality with continued development potential. Her successful loan experience should accelerate integration while providing confidence regarding her capability at this competitive level.
Also read: Alexia Putellas Joins London City Lionesses as Women’s Super League Attracts Elite Global Talent
Bristol City
Lexi Lloyd-Smith Wins WSL2 Golden Boot as Bristol City Women Duo Named in Second Tier Team of the Season
Bristol City Women have plenty to feel good about heading into the summer, with Lexi Lloyd-Smith and Emily Syme both recognised at the Barclays WSL Football Awards after another solid campaign for Charlotte Healy’s side under their new Mercury13 ownership.
Lloyd-Smith claimed the WSL2 Golden Boot after finishing the season as the division’s top scorer, while both players earned places in the second tier’s Team of the Season. It is a genuine statement of intent from a club that has been building quietly and steadily over the past year.
A Golden Boot Won in the Most Dramatic Fashion
Lloyd-Smith’s top scorer honour came down to the very last day of the season. Travelling to Bramall Lane, she scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United that included two goals deep into stoppage time, with the decisive third arriving in the 97th minute.
She pipped both teammate Rio Hardy and Sheffield United’s Amy Andrews to the Golden Boot with 11 goals across 21 league appearances. That is the kind of performance that defines a season and deserves every bit of recognition it received.
Syme Earns Her Place in the Team of the Season
Lloyd-Smith was not alone in being honoured. Emily Syme’s inclusion in the midfield of the WSL2 Team of the Season reflects a campaign in which she was one of the more consistent performers in the division.
The two players had already won Bristol City’s Player and Young Player of the Season awards respectively, so this recognition at a wider level feels like a natural follow-on.
City Will Be Back Pushing for Promotion
Bristol City finished fourth in WSL2, five points behind Charlton Athletic and the play-off spot. That gap is not insurmountable. With Lloyd-Smith in this kind of form and new ownership investing in the project, they will be genuine contenders for promotion next season.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal14 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines14 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal14 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”
- Arsenal14 years ago
Nike Are In A Three Way Battle For Shirt Sponsorship With Arsenal, Man United And Man City