It’s almost been two weeks since Bristol City triggered the recall clause on Sam Bell’s loan at Adams Park, ending the 23-year-old’s successful stint with Wycombe Wanderers earlier than had been hoped.
During his short time at the club, Bell made a great impression, scoring six goals and assisting a further two in 17 League One outings, before Gerhard Struber decided he wanted to bring the winger back to Ashton Gate to keep up his development.
Since his return to BS3, Bell has featured in four games for the Robins, assisting from the bench in a 5-0 win over Portsmouth, and earning his first start back at the club on Saturday in an equally impressive 5-1 thumping of Watford.
Despite his involvement upon his return to his parent club, the question on the lips of many Wycombe supporters is whether we will see Bell back in the light and dark blue quarters this season, or are we in for another Aaron Morley situation?
There still seems to be some question marks as to whether the former Wycombe loanee’s long-term future remains at Bristol City. His contract is set to expire this summer, and there has been no rumours or reports of a new one coming his way.
With that in mind, the Robins will likely want to make a decision on his future whilst the transfer window is open. If they see him as a useful player for the future, they will lock him down to a new contract. If not, then chances are they will be keen to cash in on him, rather than lose him on a free in the summer.
This is what bodes well for Wycombe. Having made appearances for two clubs already this season, Bell can only play for either one of those clubs for the rest of the campaign, so Wanderers will face no external competition for his signature. Well, from English clubs at least.
Reading through Bristol City fans’ comments on social media is interesting, as many believe that the 23-year-old isn’t at the level required to play for the club, and they should cash in. Of course, this all depends on Struber’s verdict, and whether he believes Bell can become a Championship-level player with time.
Part of City’s thinking behind recalling the attacker is likely to drive up the price as well. They know Wycombe will be keen to get him permanently, along with the fact that his contract running down, and Wanderers being the only EFL club that he can play for this season, recalling him was the best decision for the Bristolian club financially.
However, one consideration that could have implications on any potential return to Adams Park for Bell is the future of his Bristol City teammate and former Chairboy Anis Mehmeti. The Albanian has shone for the Robins since his move from Wycombe in 2023, which has seen talk of him moving on in the near future emerge.
Recent links have suggested that talks between City and their Championship rivals Middlesbrough over a deal were taking place, but reports have since rubbished these claims, as Mehmeti and his current club remain in talks over extending his contract beyond June.
Should the 25-year-old depart Bristol City this month, you can’t help but feel that would have a knock-on effect on Wycombe’s chances of landing Bell, as they would be left thin on the ground on the left-side of their attack with two departures. Fortunately, the latest update on Mehmeti’s future seems positive, which bodes well for the Chairboys.
All-in-all, it’s hard to say whether we will see Bell return to Adams Park or not. The Buckinghamshire club still hold interest in their former loan star, but the ball is on the Robins’ side of the court when it comes to his return, and there is still plenty factors which could help or hinder Wanderers.
If any deal gets done, it’s likely this will come right at the end of the transfer window, as the Championship club will want to properly assess Bell before making a decision on his future, and Wycombe will want to ensure they get him at the best possible price.
