Bristol City are making headlines once again this summer as they revamp their attacking line, shifting focus to Exeter City’s Jayden Wareham after a series of rejected bids for Leyton Orient’s prolific striker, Dom Ballard. With the start of the new Championship season looming, the Robins’ transfer activity has been nothing short of relentless, signaling their intent to push for a top-six finish and possibly even a return to the play-off picture. It’s a time of big changes at Ashton Gate, both on and off the pitch, as the club looks to move past last season’s offensive struggles and set a new course under recently appointed manager Michael Skubala.
The saga began with Bristol City identifying Ballard, fresh off a golden boot-winning campaign with Leyton Orient, as their top striker target. Ballard’s 23 goals not only topped League One’s scoring charts but also played a pivotal role in keeping Orient afloat, as they narrowly avoided relegation by just three points. However, despite multiple bids reportedly in the region of £3 million, Leyton Orient held firm, demanding at least £5 million for their prized asset. With Ballard recently signing a contract extension through 2028, Orient’s negotiating hand only strengthened, and Bristol City’s patience wore thin.
That’s when Jayden Wareham, Exeter City’s breakout forward, entered the frame. Wareham, 23, enjoyed a remarkable season in Devon, tallying 19 goals and two assists in 46 league games. His efforts were not enough to prevent Exeter’s relegation to League Two, but they did not go unnoticed. In all competitions, Wareham found the net 22 times, earning high praise from his former manager, Gary Caldwell, who described him as “unplayable” and “one of the best number nines he’s worked with.” According to Alan Nixon, Bristol City have now set their sights on Wareham, viewing him as a more attainable and affordable option than Ballard.
Wareham’s football journey has been one of resilience and steady progression. He spent his formative years in the academies of Reading, Queens Park Rangers, and Woking, making his senior debut for the latter in January before earning a trial—and later a two-year deal—with Chelsea in 2021. Although he never broke into the first team at Stamford Bridge, a loan spell at Leyton Orient and a subsequent move to Reading helped Wareham develop his game. It was with Exeter City, however, that he truly exploded onto the scene, making himself indispensable despite the club’s collective struggles.
For Bristol City, strengthening the frontline has become a pressing concern, and not just because of last season’s lack of firepower. Emil Riis, who joined on a free transfer from Preston North End, managed nine goals and two assists in 44 league appearances but is not widely seen as the man to lead a promotion charge. The departures of Delano Burgzorg—who returned to Middlesbrough after his loan—Sinclair Armstrong (now at Goztepe), and Harry Cornick (who left on a free) have left the Robins worryingly short of options up top. The club’s attacking woes are further illustrated by last year’s tally of just 59 goals in the Championship, a figure that left them well adrift of the division’s top scorers.
Skubala, who took the reins at Ashton Gate following a successful stint with Lincoln City, has wasted no time stamping his authority on the squad. The arrivals of goalkeeper Sam Tickle, experienced midfielder Jed Wallace, and versatile attacker Sam Greenwood have already addressed several key areas. But it’s clear that the search for a new striker remains the top priority. As one insider put it, “A striker will remain on the shopping list, with Emil Riis their only recognised option. The signing of a new talisman and extra competition will be key to the Robins’ bid for progress under Skubala.”
Wareham’s suitability for the Championship is a matter of some debate. While his numbers in League One are impressive, the step up in quality is significant. Still, his ability to lead the line, bring teammates into play, and score goals from a variety of positions makes him an intriguing prospect. Skubala, who faced both Ballard and Wareham in League One last season, knows the players’ strengths and weaknesses intimately. His familiarity with Wareham could be a deciding factor as Bristol City weigh up their opening offer—no formal bid has been made yet, but the expectation is that Exeter’s relegation will make the striker available at a reasonable price.
The transfer market isn’t the only source of intrigue at Ashton Gate. Behind the scenes, the club has also welcomed former Arsenal technical director James Ellis as sporting director, a move that has already influenced the managerial appointment and the club’s broader recruitment strategy. There’s a sense of optimism that these changes, combined with a shrewd transfer policy, could propel Bristol City back into the play-off mix.
Meanwhile, at Exeter City, preparations are underway for life in League Two, and the likely departure of their star forward. The signing of Josh Gordon, who arrives following his release by Walsall, hints at the club’s readiness to move on from Wareham and rebuild for the future. For Leyton Orient, the focus remains on keeping hold of Ballard for as long as possible, especially after losing Sonny Perkins to Wigan Athletic. The East London club’s resolve is being tested, but with Ballard tied down to a long-term deal, they’re under little pressure to sell unless their valuation is met.
Elsewhere in the Bristol City camp, the transfer rumor mill continues to churn. Attacking midfielder Josh Stokes, who enjoyed successful loan spells with Cambridge United and Stockport County, is reportedly attracting interest from Reading. Stokes, a versatile player who can operate as a number ten or on either wing, has two years left on his contract, meaning any move would require a transfer fee.
As the summer window heats up, Bristol City’s pursuit of a new striker remains the story to watch. Will Jayden Wareham be the answer to their goalscoring woes, or will the Robins be forced to look elsewhere if Exeter dig in their heels? For now, the club’s supporters can only wait and watch as Skubala and his staff work behind the scenes to deliver the firepower needed for a genuine promotion push.
With the transfer window still open and no formal offer yet tabled for Wareham, the situation remains fluid. One thing is clear: Bristol City are determined to get their man, and the next few weeks could prove crucial in shaping the club’s fortunes for the season ahead.