Emil Riis has become Bristol City’s third signing of the summer transfer window after leaving Preston North EndEmi Riis is Bristol City’s third signing of the summer(Image: Rogan/ Bristol City)
Emil Riis has explained that he is hoping to help Bristol City reach “the next level” with the striker putting pen to paper on a three-year contract at Ashton Gate to become the Robins’ third addition of the summer.
City confirmed on Monday evening that the Danish forward would be joining Gerhard Struber’s squad in BS3 having departed Preston North End as a free agent this summer.
The 27-year-old scored 12 goals, the last of which came against the Reds on the final day of the regular season, and laid on two assists as Paul Heckingbottom’s side narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship last season.
Having joined the ranks at Deepdale from Randers FC in the summer of 2020, Riis has scored 46 goals in 186 appearances for the Lilywhites in all competitions, including a 20-goal campaign in 2021/22 but opted against extending his contract with the Lancashire club.
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Despite reportedly being the subject of interest from several clubs both in the Championship and beyond, the forward has opted to continue his career in the West Country, with the ambition within BS3 a big selling point.
On the move, Riis told the Reds’ media team: “It is an exciting club with some young players in the squad with a lot of potential.
“It is a club which has the right ambitions for me, so I am very happy to be here and hopefully, I can be a part of the dream to go to the next level.
“I want to score goals and help the team in that way.”
City were always expected to be in the market for a new number nine this summer. During last season’s play-off campaign, owner Steve Lansdown admitted the Robins needed “somebody up front” and that need has only been intensified with confirmation that Nahki Wells’ contract will not be extended.
While both Fally Mayulu and Sinclair Armstrong remain City players, neither striker enjoyed the most prolific of first campaigns in red and white and there was a reliance on Wells to lead the line for much of the season. Mayulu scored just twice before joining Sturm Graz on loan in January and Sinclair Armstrong only found the back of the net on three occasions, the last of which came back in November.
Although last season’s firepower proved to be enough to end City’s 17-year wait for a top six finish, there has been an acceptance amongst supporters that a more proven and experienced forward will be needed next term. In Riis, Brian Tinnion feels the Robins have got their man.
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On the latest signing, the Reds’ technical director said: “It is no secret how in demand Emil was, and we are very pleased to secure his signature.
“He provides us with extra firepower and is very experienced in the Championship and we cannot wait to see him in action.”
Struber and the majority of his first-team squad returned to the Robins High Performance Centre for pre-season fitness testing late last week, with training expected to take a step up this week.
While the start of the Championship campaign remains a little under six weeks away, supporters will likely get their first opportunity to see their new centre-forward in action in the coming weeks, with the Reds facing a busy friendly schedule.
Things will kick off behind closed doors against Bournemouth on Saturday, June 19, with matches against Newport County, MK Dons, Cheltenham Town and Plymouth Argyle to follow in quick succession.
The Reds then kick off the Championship campaign with a repeat of their play-off semi-final, away to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
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