Bristol City striker, has joined Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz on loan until the end of the season, despite alleged interest from Championship rivals Stoke City.
Fally Mayulu, who joined the Robins in July, has only made three Championship appearances since his move from Rapid Wien, which is thought to be valued up to £2.5 million.
After a succession of cameo appearances in Liam Manning’s play-off-chasing side this season, Mayulu appears to be surplus to requirements, so the temporary deal may come as a surprise to many, considering claims that the Potters had tabled a £2.5 million offer to take him off their hands permanently.
Fally Mayulu completes temporary Bristol City exit amid Stoke City interest
Arriving for a seven-figure fee and with the number nine shirt, it is reasonable to conclude that the 6ft 4in forward was expected to be the starting striker at Ashton Gate this season.
The 22-year-old’s start at Bristol City couldn’t have been better, as he scored from the bench in his first two games. However, they are his only two goals for the South West side.
The Frenchman has played just 32 league minutes since the turn of the year, not even making the bench in the Cider Army’s last three games, and after failing to displace 34-year-old Nahki Wells, it has become increasingly clear that the young striker will be a largely peripheral member of the squad this season.
Stoke’s interest perplexed supporters on both sides, with The Mirror’s Dan Marsh revealing earlier this week that the Staffordshire club had made a £2.5 million approach.
However, the Potters’ loan signing of Iraqi forward Ali Al-Hamadi from Ipswich Town, combined with the ability of young talent Nathan Lowe, appears to have quelled further recruitment in that area, with no real need to now add Mayulu to their ranks – it turns out they’ve already lost out on him.
Austria return for Fally Mayulu could be best for all parties involved in saga
Mayulu returns to Austria, a place he knows well, having spent last season with Rapid Wein in the city and BW Linz before that, where he scored 11 goals and earned second-tier promotion in 2023.
However, new temporary employers Sturm Graz are possibly the best of the group, sitting atop the table at the exact halfway point of the campaign and on track to capture their second Austrian Bundesliga title in a row.
Die Schwoazn (the Blacks) have also been competing in this season’s UEFA Champions League, but after losing six of seven matches, they are certain to be ousted on Wednesday.
They have needed a new striker since losing ex-Arsenal player Mika Biereth to Monaco, and Mayulu appears to fit the bill in the short term.
While Mayulu’s Bristol City career is far from over, he must impress during his six-month stay in the Styrian capital if he is to re-energise for 2025-26, whether in England or overseas.