Bristol City predicted to sign Newcastle starlet and £10m forward in huge January transfer spree

Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber could look to strengthen several areas of his squad when the January transfer window opens.

The Robins currently sit ninth in the Championship after 22 matches, just two points outside the play-off places, with Millwall occupying sixth spot. Confidence is high at Ashton Gate following a convincing 2–0 home victory over promotion-chasing Middlesbrough, courtesy of goals from Emil Riis and defender Rob Atkinson.

Struber’s men return to action on Boxing Day, travelling to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion as they look to build momentum from that impressive result. With the transfer window fast approaching, AI predictions have outlined the potential business Bristol City could conduct in January.

Defensive and midfield reinforcements expected

Bristol City are reportedly being tipped to add experience to their back line by signing Newcastle United defender Jamal Lascelles. The 32-year-old centre-back has been at St James’ Park since 2014, when he arrived from Nottingham Forest, and has gone on to make 253 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions. However, he has featured just twice this season, and with his long-term future uncertain, a move away from the North East could be on the cards.

The Robins have also been linked with a move for full-back Brandon Williams, who currently plays for Championship rivals Hull City. The former Manchester United academy graduate joined the Tigers in the summer following a successful trial, but has struggled for regular game time under Sergej Jakirovic due to stiff competition from Ryan Giles. As a result, a January departure would not come as a shock.

In midfield, Struber is predicted to revisit his former club Barnsley in pursuit of Luca Connell. The Irishman could add depth and competition in the centre of the pitch at Ashton Gate, where he would challenge the likes of Jason Knight, Adam Randell and Max Bird for a starting place.

Strengthening the attacking options

In attack, AI forecasts suggest Bristol City could offer striker Ryan Hardie a way out of Wrexham. The forward joined the ambitious Welsh side earlier this year after leaving Plymouth Argyle, following Wrexham’s promotion from League One. However, he has struggled to make a significant impact at the Racecourse Ground, and a move away in January could provide him with a fresh start.

Tom Cannon has also emerged as a possible target for the Robins. Sheffield United spent around £10 million to secure his services just over a year ago, but the striker has found it difficult to rediscover his goalscoring form at Bramall Lane. Although Cannon is under contract with the Blades until 2029, United may be tempted to consider offers if the right bid arrives.

Another name mentioned is winger Garang Kuol, who currently plays for Sparta Prague. The 21-year-old is seen as a player with plenty of potential and room to develop further. Newcastle United signed Kuol from Central Coast Mariners in 2023 and subsequently sent him on loan spells to Hearts and FC Volendam to aid his progression.

With Bristol City firmly in the play-off conversation, the January window could prove crucial as Struber looks to add quality, depth and experience to his squad in a bid to push the Robins into the top six during the second half of the season.