Bristol City recalled Sam Bell from Wycombe Wanderers, removing one of the Imps’ recent tormentors from League One just hours before a key fixture.
Wycombe confirmed on January 1st that Bell had been recalled by his parent club, Bristol City, with the decision taken only hours before the Chairboys were due to face league leaders Cardiff City at Adams Park.
The 22-year-old forward had been on loan in Buckinghamshire since the summer transfer deadline and leaves having made a significant impact. Bell scored six goals in 21 appearances for Wycombe, starting 20 of those matches, and departs as the club’s leading goalscorer so far this season.
From a City perspective, Bell is remembered most clearly for his performance against the Imps in November. The Bristol City loanee scored twice in Wycombe’s 3-2 home win, with both goals coming during a spell where City were punished for defensive lapses despite being competitive for long periods of the contest. His movement and finishing proved decisive on a day where fine margins told against Michael Skubala’s side.
That Sam Bell opener feels a long time ago now!
Slick passing, fizzed low cross and an instinctive finish from a man on form. pic.twitter.com/l2xF7cWtw0
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) November 22, 2025
Wycombe confirmed Bell’s departure in a short statement issued on New Year’s Day, thanking the forward for his contribution during his loan spell and wishing him well on his return to Ashton Gate.
“You’ve been top class, Sam.”
“Bristol City have recalled Sam Bell from his loan spell at Adams Park, and so he leaves us to return west.
“Thanks for all your efforts this season, and good luck back with Robins.”
Ironically, the timing of the recall left Wycombe without their primary goal threat for the visit of Cardiff, a game we could have done with them winning! They drew 1-1, a good result for us given our own stalemate with Huddersfield Town.
Wycombe are expected to be active during the January transfer window as they look to replace Bell’s output, while Bristol City will now decide whether the forward remains with them or is sent out on another loan later in the window.