Han-Noah Massengo has interest across Europe after leaving Bristol City as a free agent
Former Bristol City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo has reportedly turned down an offer to sign for Premier League side Burnley, potentially denying the Robins a significant amount in compensation.
Massengo is a free agent following the expiry of his City contract at the end of June and has been exploring the market with apparent interest across the continent and in England, with Burnley and Leeds United mentioned as potential destinations for the Frenchman.
Although no longer an asset or contributing to City on the pitch, a move within England would be preferable for the Robins because the FA’s compensation rules for players under the age of 24 are flexible and therefore more financially beneficial to clubs than the FIFA legislation which covers the rest of Europe and dictates only a flat fee needs to be paid.
According to L’Equipe, Massengo has rejected a proposal from the Clarets as they were unable to guarantee regular first-team football having earned promotion into the top-flight last season under Vincent Kompany.
Massengo has interest in his homeland, after spending the second half of last season at Auxerre and working his way back into the Under-21 set-up, but also “several European top four clubs”, as reported by the French daily.
Meanwhile, another former City player available on a free transfer this summer and one-time teammate of Massengo has signed for a club in France, with Taylor Moore joining Valenciennes on a three-year contract.
Moore’s last game for City was on August 10, 2021 and he spent last season impressing on loan for Shrewsbury Town but despite an offer from Salop, the departure of Steve Cotterill as manager reduced the appeal of that move.
The 26-year-old, who is a French speaker, began his academy career in France with Lens before City signed him in 2016. Valenciennes, based in the north of France near the border with Belgium, play in Ligue 2 and Robins goalkeeper Stefan Bajic was on loan there during the second half of last season.
