Bristol City is preparing for a new era, with Michael Skubala ready to lead the team into the 2026/27 Championship season.

After finishing in the middle of the league last season, the Robins will aim for a top-eight finish at the very least, which would secure a play-off spot.

Ashton Gate has already had a busy transfer window, with Sam Greenwood and Lisav Naif Eissat entering on transfer fees, while Sam Tickle and Jed Wallace are among numerous players who arrived for free.

Bristol City have been connected with an Ipswich City defender, but it appears they will face stiff competition to get him.

Bristol City leads Championship pursuit of Ipswich Town’s Harry Clarke.

With great expectations for the upcoming season, Ashton Gate is working hard to develop a squad capable of contending for promotion.

Bristol City are the Championship’s longest-serving club, and while they flirted with the play-offs last season, they ultimately fell short, with Roy Hosgon brought in to provide some stability.

Skubala is the club’s manager, and while he did an excellent job leading Lincoln City to the second tier for the first time in the club’s history, he is inexperienced at this level.

He will require Championship-experienced players, which is certainly a priority with Greenwood and Wallace joining Ashton Gate.

Bristol City are currently the most advanced in their pursuit of Ipswich Town’s Harry Clarke, with Stoke City, Sheffield United, and Preston North End also keen, according to Ben Jacobs.

The 25-year-old right-back has one year left on his contract, and Jacobs predicts a permanent departure this summer.

What might Clarke bring to the Ashton Gate?

Clarke joined the Tractor Boys from Arsenal in January 2023, and despite making 67 appearances for the club since then, he did not appear once in the Championship last season.

The defender joined fellow second-tier club Charlton Athletic on loan in January to help them survive and address their defensive injury crisis, making 19 games and two assists.

Clarke has 78 Championship matches in his career, with spells at Ipswich, Charlton, Sheffield United, and Stoke, and can play across the backline as well as on the wing if necessary.

The 25-year-old is a dynamic player who combines agility, ball carrying, and tough defending, making him a valuable addition to any team.