The Championship transfer window is well underway, with clubs keen to ensure they are well prepared for the upcoming season. Bristol City are one such club, as they are reportedly in advanced talks to land an Irish international.
Bristol City finished the Championship season in 11th place, 11 points behind Norwich City who occupied the final play-off spot. Nigel Pearson departed the club in October with Oxford United’s Liam Manning jumping ship after an impressive start to the season to take over.
The club have, to date not been one of the most busy clubs in the transfer marker, with only Fally Mayulu from Rapid Vienna and Yu Hirakawa from J League side Machida Zelvia their only additions so far.
Now, according to Football Insider they are in advance talks to secure Queens Park Rangers star Sinclair Armstrong.
The 21-year-old who was linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday and Lincoln City in January 2023, has since forced his way into the first team at QPR. Despite this, he has struggled at time for goals despite some impressive performances on the pitch.
Former QPR Manager an Admirer
Former manager Gareth Ainsworth was an admirer of the player stating that he could become ‘one hell of a player’ in the future. He told the Irish Independent:
“He’s going to be one hell of a player, Sinclair, and if he can get the rub of the green then he’s going to get many more chances. There were about five (chances) when he’s got in and people are going down and rolling around and the ref seems to be giving those fouls.”
Armstrong has also had spells at Aldershot and Torquay as well as Shamrock Rovers where he started his career.
The player’s contract is understood to run until 2025, with an option of a further year meaning a fee would be required to take him permanently.
What has gone wrong at QPR?
He is the typical EFL young player, coming forward with bags of potential and full energy but has failed to date to take that next step and start converting some of that potential into goals.
If he had done, he would likely be one to watch in the Premier League, rather than talking about a move to another Championship club.
It is possible the crossroads in his career came when he was linked to Lincoln City in January 2023. Had he had made the move into League One, at a slightly lower level at a club that has patience and a knack for developing talent he may well have kicked on and gained some confidence in front of goal. The examples of Morgan Rogers and Brennan Johnson, both now playing European football are proof of what can happen if you take a step back to take a step forwards.
Instead he was thrust into the Championship side a tad too early and a huge amount of pressure was put on his shoulders, especially under the faltering tenure of Gareth Ainsworth. He needs a club that will provide him the environment and give him the confidence to reignite his still young career, or he may well find himself dropping the leagues rather than climbing it.
