Ex-Newcastle United full-back Jamal Lewis is among a host of free agents who Bristol City could look to target this summerplaceholder image
Ex-Newcastle United full-back Jamal Lewis is among a host of free agents who Bristol City could look to target this summer | Getty Images
Bristol City kick-start the new 2025/26 Championship season this weekend
Bristol City face an away trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United. They were beaten by the Blades at the semi-finals stage of the play-offs last season over two legs. Liam Manning subsequently left Ashton Gate for a new challenge with fellow Championship side Norwich City.
The Robins have since turned to ex-Barnsley man Gerhard Struber as his replacement. The Austrian will be eager to show what he is all about in the upcoming campaign. He last worked at FC Koln over in Germany in the Bundesliga 2.
Bristol City free agent defensive options
Bristol City can sign free agents outside the transfer window. Left-back Jamal Lewis is available following his exit from Newcastle United. He will be weighing up his next move in the game.
Lewis, 27, would give the Robins more competition and depth at the back if they signed him. He broke into the first-team of Norwich City as a youngster and became a key player for the Canaries before going on to make 100 appearances in all competitions. However, his most recent spell in the North East didn’t go to plan and he was loaned out to Watford and Sao Paulo over recent times.
Brandon Williams is also unattached and has been without a club since cutting ties with Manchester United in 2024. The defender can play on either flank and likes to get up and down. He has been on trial with Hull City recently and featured in two friendlies for the Tigers against Sunderland and Getafe.
Elsewhere, Ryo Hatsuse and Jamilu Collins are also options for Struber. They parted ways with Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City at the end of the last campaign. They will both be mulling over their next moves at the moment.
Bristol City free agent attacking options
Further up the pitch, Andy Rinomhota and Joe Ralls were released by Cardiff following their relegation to League One. The Bluebirds opted against offering them extensions and let them leave. They have since turned to Brian Barry-Murphy as their head coach and are eyeing an immediate promotion following their opening day win over Peterborough United.
Winger Tom Lawrence would be a shrewd signing for Bristol City if they were able to get him. His contract at Rangers expired in late June and he hasn’t signed for anyone yet. He has experience of playing in the second tier with Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town and Derby County.
Grady Diangana is another player who the Robins should try and land. The winger last played for West Brom and has proved himself at their level in the past. He scored 18 goals in 171 outings for the Baggies before heading out the exit door and has also been at West Ham in the past.
Forward Duncan Watmore can also be acquired for nothing. The ex-Middlesbrough and Sunderland man left Millwall a couple of months ago and would give Struber something different to call upon in attack. He is experienced and his pace and power can cause problems to opposition defenders.
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