Bristol City Join Race to Sign Europa League Star

Robins Race for Europa League Midfielder

Bristol City are making a move for Sturm Graz midfielder Tomi Horvat this January, with the Robins looking to secure a play-off spot for the second season running this season, according to Anthony Joseph.

Bristol City have already made moves in this winter window with the re-arrival of West Ham talent George Earthy on loan, and look set to make a move that would see the 26-year-old head to Bristol in the summer.

Having already sanctioned the sale of Tochi Chukwuani to Rangers this winter, it would take a strong offer to prise Horvat out of Austria but any deal would be viewed as a coup by The Robins.

Bristol City Chasing Graz Star

Sturm Graz star Tomi Horvat is a target for Bristol City in the coming months, as revealed by Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph on X.

Joseph said online:

"Bristol City are in talks to Sturm Graz midfielder Tomi Horvat.

"It’s understood discussions are centred around a potential move in the summer.

Bristol City are in talks to Sturm Graz midfielder Tomi Horvat.

It’s understood discussions are centred around a potential move in the summer.#SKSturm want to keep hold of the Slovenia international in this window, after they sold fellow midfielder Tochi Chukwuani to Rangers. pic.twitter.com/FbWJrQUIl1

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 12, 2026

"[Sturm Graz] want to keep hold of the Slovenia international in this window, after they sold fellow midfielder Tochi Chukwuani to Rangers."

Horvat joined Sturm from Slovenian side Mura in 2022 and signed an initial three-year deal which was extended to an undisclosed nature in April 2025. He is valued at around €4.6m by Transfermarkt.

Horvat Would be a Fantastic Signing for Bristol City Amidst Playoff Bid

Despite a 2-0 loss to Preston in their previous outing, Bristol City remain well within the hunt for Premier League promotion as they sit just two points away from the playoff spots in the EFL Championship.

Any deal to sign Sturm Graz's Horvat would likely take place in the summer, according to Joseph, potentially alluding to an ambitious signing to consolidate a Premier League position or further bolster another push should this season remain unsuccessful.

Tomi Horvat, that was special 👏#UEL | @SKSturm pic.twitter.com/CTUkkfebFt

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 25, 2025

There is little doubt that Horvat would represent a special coup for The Robins - Horvat has 12 caps for his national team, as well as experience playing in major competitions such as the Europa League and Champions League. In the former contest, he put on an excellent midfield display against heavy Premier League favourites Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

He is known for his tenacity and work ethic, as well as his pure quality in possession armed with a lengthy striking range and wonderful close-control, mirroring profiles seen by the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

Along with their interest in Horvat, Bristol City currently employ two strong options in Jason Knight and Adam Randell, with the latter having scored twice in his last four showings.

Throwing Horvat into the mix would provide manager Gerhard Struber with some excellent quality in-depth, as he looks to secure a top-six finish for the Robins in his first season in charge.