Bristol City have confirmed the signing of Seb Naylor, with the young defender joining from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee
20:00, 29 Jan 2026
View Image
Bristol City's latest signing, Seb Naylor, in action during his time at Manchester City(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Bristol City have "no time to lose" with Seb Naylor, in the eyes of Gerhard Struber, with the Robins keen to improve their latest arrival to hopefully become a helpful first-team player in the "near future."
The Reds confirmed on Thursday evening, just hours after the arrival of Delano Burgzorg was announced, that young defender Naylor had completed a permanent move to Ashton Gate for an undisclosed fee from Manchester City, putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal in BS3.
A product of the Manchester City youth system, Naylor - who is just 20 years old - joins the ranks in the West Country having only had a taste of senior football in the Vertu Trophy. However, he was part of the Man City youth side that won the Premier League 2 title last term, making 19 appearances for the Sky Blues.
READ MORE: Bristol City's 'big goal' for Delano Burgzorg as Gerhard Struber 'convinced' by latest additionREAD MORE: 'I cannot wait' - Delano Burgzorg's first words as Bristol City confirm loan signing of forward
Naturally, the jump from academy football to England's second tier will be by no means straightforward for the left-back. While he is, therefore, viewed as a prospect for the future, Struber is hopeful he'll be able to feature in the first team sooner rather than later.
"I think we have also no time to lose here with Seb," the head coach told the media on Thursday afternoon. "I see him outside, right now I have one training [session] with him, but we can see very quickly his big talent.
"His on-ball power is on a really high level; I would say we can smell Man City school when we see him. On the same time, now he must jump in the football of Bristol City, and I would say it's a little bit different. But he brings something to the table that is really interesting and a player, of course, for the future.
Sign up for our City newsletter
Bristol City looking to build on last season's play-off finish under Gerhard Struber and you won't miss a beat with our free newsletter.
All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Robins, delivered straight to your inbox.
It's completely free and you can sign up HERE
"But also, when we can - and especially big talents - they can show us normally always that they realise quickly the style of play and then, we bring him in as soon as possible."
"In more directions, this could be a really big win-win, with his talent and all the skills that he's learned," Struber added to Bristol Live. "Now, he gets a little bit of a different perspective of football, and in the end, when you find a good mix of both, this could be super interesting.
"He's a really good boy, a very hungry, learnable boy. This is my first impression, and it's time to have also a football style like that and improve him in our way."
Content cannot be displayed without consent
On the jump between academy football and the Championship, the Austrian continued, "Of course, Man City - this sounds so sexy - but in the end, this is a really young boy. He comes from the youth team and now the Championship.
"Everyone in England knows what the Championship means, so the step is - of course - super big, but we want to improve him and help him to be in the future, hopefully the near future, a player for us to help the team."
Naylor is the Robins' fourth first-team addition this winter, following the arrival of former Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, West Ham United loanee George Earthy and Middlesbrough forward Burgzorg. On top of the above business, Ranel Young has signed an initial 18-month deal with City and has since linked up with the Under-21s.
Bristol City Live on Whatsapp
Join Bristol City Live's Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone
Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.
In terms of outgoings, eight players have departed Ashton Gate on loan so far this winter. Haydon Roberts was one of four players to exit last week, and the absence of the 23-year-old, partnered by Rob Atkinson's latest injury, has left Struber with reduced left-sided defensive options heading into Friday night's clash with Derby County.
Naylor could perhaps be thrust straight into the matchday squad against the Rams - assuming all relevant paperwork was filed in time. For now, though, the youngster is looking at the bigger picture, having left the club he joined when he was just eight years old.
Speaking to City's media team about the move, Naylor said, "I thought it was too good to turn down. Everyone’s made me feel so welcome, it is such a homely place.
"All the boys are lovely, and I had a good chat with the manager yesterday and it’ll be great to get on the grass training with him."
The Robins' technical director, Brian Tinnion, added, "Seb’s an exciting young player who we’re looking forward to seeing develop over the next few years.
"He has all the qualities we look for in a player and has the right personality and drive to fit into the squad.”
Article continues below
READ MORE: Adam Randell makes encouraging Bristol City claim amid Robins' newfound midfield 'competition'READ MORE: Rob Atkinson, Joe Williams, Max Bird: Bristol City injury latest ahead of Derby County visit