Championship side Bristol City have reportedly moved into pole position to sign Nigeria-eligible defensive midfielder Gibson Yah, overtaking Portsmouth in the race for the highly rated FC Volendam star.
Portsmouth had previously been regarded as favourites to land the Amsterdam-born midfielder after opening advanced talks over a potential transfer. However, the situation has changed dramatically, with Bristol City now closing in on an agreement for the 22-year-old.
According to transfer reports from the Netherlands, Bristol City have already reached a verbal agreement with both FC Volendam and the player. Yah has reportedly travelled to England to complete a medical ahead of the formal announcement of his move to Ashton Gate.
The Robins are believed to have identified Yah as the ideal replacement for experienced midfielder Sam Morsy, whose contract is due to expire at the end of June. The club sees the Nigeria-eligible youngster as a long-term investment capable of strengthening their midfield ahead of the new Championship campaign.
Yah joined FC Volendam from Utrecht last summer after developing through the youth systems of DVC Buiksloot and Ajax. Despite Volendam enduring a difficult season, the midfielder impressed with his consistency, starting 20 Eredivisie matches and featuring prominently during the promotion play-offs.
Known for his composure on the ball, defensive awareness and ability to dictate play from midfield, Yah has attracted interest from several clubs in recent months. His performances have also placed him on the radar of Nigerian football followers, with the youngster eligible to represent the Super Eagles at international level.
If the medical is completed successfully, Yah is expected to sign a long-term contract with Bristol City, bringing an end to his one-year stay at FC Volendam and marking the next step in his rapidly developing career. The move would also represent a significant transfer victory for Bristol City after edging out Portsmouth in the race for one of Nigeria’s promising young midfield talents.
