Stockport County Interested In 23-Year-Old Bristol City Defender

Stockport County are interested in a move for Bristol City defender Haydon Roberts.

The Hatters enjoyed an incredibly impressive League One campaign last term, finishing third and just five points behind Wrexham.

However, the cruel nature of the play-offs saw Leyton Orient best them over two legs, denying County the opportunity to fight for promotion to the Championship at Wembley.

Stockport County keen on Haydon Roberts transfer

Haydon Roberts, Bristol City vs Leicester City

As Dave Challinor looks to bolster his squad for another promotion push, he has sounded out a target in the division above.

According to Bristol Live, Stockport hold a real interest in securing Roberts’ services this summer.

The 23-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Ashton Gate, which could force Bristol City’s hand into selling.

The left-sided defender featured prevalently under Liam Manning last term, as the Robins ended their 17-year wait for Championship play-off football.

Roberts featured 34 times in all competitions for Bristol City in the 2024/25 campaign, operating out of left-back, left wing-back and left centre-back.

Haydon Roberts 2024/25 Bristol City Championship stats, as per Fotmob

Appearances

32

Starts

15

Aerial Duels Won per 90

2.38

Duels Won per 90

4.48

Dribbled Past per 90

0.33

The young defender enjoyed his footballing education with Brighton and spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Derby County, before moving to Ashton Gate on a free transfer in 2023.

Despite being involved in the Robins’ first team throughout last term, minutes became increasingly hard to come by which has left both parties open to a move away for Roberts.

Injuries saw the 23-year-old feature slightly more as the year rolled on, but he won’t want to rely on the misfortune of others to play regular football.

Adding Haydon Roberts will help Stockport County fight for promotion once more

The past three seasons have been incredibly positive for the Hatters, fighting towards the sharp end of League One/Two on each occasion.

This almost culminated in promotion to the Championship last term, and if the play-offs didn’t exist, they would now belong to the second-tier.

However, that isn’t how the English game works and Challinor will have to motivate the troops to go again next season.

Stockport have already signed Tayo Edun, Joseph Olowu and Malik Mothersille this summer, but adding Roberts to that mix would seriously raise the level of their squad.

The 23-year-old was playing in the Championship play-offs just a matter of months ago and would be a real coup for County if they can get a deal over the line.

Roberts’ contract situation may just help them pull off an affordable transfer and if the player is keen for a move to Edgeley Park, this deal could become increasingly realistic.

If so, his expertise would no doubt be a huge plus in Stockport’s fight for promotion next term.