Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber has conceded he is disappointed to be losing Anis Mehmeti to Ipswich Town, while acknowledging that the Tractor Boys currently operate at a higher level than the Robins.
The Albania international completed a £3m move to Portman Road on Wednesday morning, signing a deal that runs until the summer of 2029, just 24 hours after featuring there for City.
Speaking at his weekly press conference prior to the transfer being finalised, Struber accepted the situation was an inevitable part of modern football.
Struber confirmed Mehmeti was not involved in Bristol City’s preparations due to ongoing talks, explaining that the winger was undergoing a medical after receiving a significant offer from another club.
While admitting it was difficult to lose one of his most influential players, the City boss said Mehmeti’s rapid development over the past few months had made external interest unavoidable.
The Austrian coach described the move as a reflection of the work being done at Ashton Gate, highlighting how City’s style of play has helped players progress and attract attention. However, he also admitted it was frustrating to lose such an important figure at a key stage of the season.
Despite that, Struber struck a pragmatic tone, insisting there was no value in dwelling on a situation beyond his control. He stressed the importance of sticking together as a group, potentially strengthening the squad where possible, and focusing fully on upcoming fixtures rather than lamenting what has already been decided.
Mehmeti had been offered a new contract by Bristol City with his existing deal due to expire in the summer, but opted to pursue the move to Ipswich instead.
Struber revealed he had held numerous conversations with the player and understood his decision, acknowledging that Ipswich currently offer an opportunity City cannot realistically match.
On a personal level, Struber admitted the departure was painful. He spoke warmly of his close relationship with Mehmeti and said losing a player he had worked so closely with was difficult on a human level, not just a footballing one.
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