‘I had some options’: Why Portsmouth target Gibson Yah opted for Bristol City move
It’s a transfer setback for Pompey as Bristol City sign Gibson Yah. The Dutchman explains why he opted for a move to Ashton Gate this summer.
Gibson Yah highlighted Bristol City’s ‘big ambitions’ as the appeal for agreeing a switch to Pompey’s Championship rivals.
The Blues target has agreed a switch to their second-tier rivals, sealing a four-year deal with the Robins after leaving Dutch side Volendam.
Gibson Yah: ‘When I heard Bristol City was interested, I didn’t think long about it’
Yah opting for a move to Ashton Gate is a blow for Pompey’s summer recruitment, with the 22-year-old previously looking set for a switch to Fratton Park - and a moved reportedly at an ‘advanced’ stage.
That comes in a summer in which Bristol City eyed John Mousinho for their managerial hot-seat, before opting to bring in Lincoln’s Michael Skubala.
Yah made it clear his mind was quickly made up once he knew of his new employer’s interest
He told Bristol City’s YouTube channel: It’s great and exciting. It’s a new step in my career and I’m very happy to be here.
‘The Championship is a very big competition. I did well in my first year in Volendam and I think it was the time to male the step.
‘I had some options, but when I heard Bristol City was interested I didn’t have to think long about.
‘The manager and coach are new to the club and they showed me their vision.
‘For me it was nice to come into an environment where other people are also new.
‘They especially spoke about their trust in me, that was mostly the reason I was excited to come to this club.’
Yah referenced the injuries he’s had in his young career before his breakout season in the Eredivisie with Volendam, who were eventually relegated to the second tier.
Now he’s looking to show what he can do in the Championship at a club who are aiming high next season.
He added: ‘I think I’ve grown a lot.
‘I had some injuries before I went to Volendam, but the season I went there I did quite well
‘The Eredivisie is the first division in Holland, but I think I did quite well.
‘It was very good to see the facilities, the coaches and staff members. Everyone was very polite, so I have a good feeling about being here.
‘I’m looking forward to being in a new environment, I think I’m in good hands here and I can’t wait to get started, get on the pitch with the boys and show what I can do.
‘I’m a player with a strong mentality, with power and technical ability.
‘I’m here to show what I can do. I don’t like to speak, I prefer to show my actions on the pitch.
‘I will do my best for the club and team to make sure I succeed. We know we are going to achieve things and have big ambitions.’