FIVE WINGERS CARDIFF NEED TO CONSIDER IN THE SUMMER
- ccfcinsider
- Mar 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 5, 2024
Cardiff City head into the summer with Ollie Tanner and Callum O'Dowda the only recognised wingers contracted, so The Bluebirds are bound to be in the market for a minimum of two wingers, if not three.
Ian Poveda:
Club: Leeds United (On loan at Sheffield Wednesday)
Age: 24
Appearances: 14
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Goals Per 90: 0
Assists Per 90: 0.15
Market Value: £770k
Stats don't fairly represent Poveda's quality. Poveda created on average two chances per game and completes three succesful dribbles. The Colombian international has been told he's free to leave Leeds in the summer, and therefore will be available for free in the summer. Poveda is a direct winger with fine footwork, and gets in great areas for his team. The winger also works hard off the ball, as he tops Sheffield Wednesday's list of players that have won Possession in the Final Third. On a free, I see no harm in getting this deal done.
Couhaib Drioeuch:
Club: Excelsior
Age: 21
Appearances: 21
Goals: 4
Assists: 4
Goals Per 90: 0.21
Assists Per 90: 0.21
Market Value: £1.1M
Driouech has been a key player for Excelsior this season, as his side continue to fight remain in the Eredvise. The 21 year-old was subject of interest from Lorient, Swansea City, Como and Lecce in January, however turned down all four moves. The winger oozes quality on the ball and has continued to build on two good seasons, as he looks to secure a bigger move in the summer. Driouech also offers a great deal defensively, winning 1.38 tackles a game and 5.89 duels. Going forward Driouech averages 2.86 dribbles per game, and creates 1.54 chances a game.
Chris Willock:
Club: Queens Park Rangers
Age: 26
Appearances: 30
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
Goals Per 90: 0.22
Assists Per 90: 0.16
Market Value: £1.5M
Willock has been showing his quality in the Championship for the last five seasons. A player that comes in and out of form, there's no denying when Willock is on form he's one of the top wingers in the Championship. The 26 year-old finds himself out of contract in the summer, with teams like Rangers and Middlesbrough previously shwoing interest. Willock is good on the ball and is a good passer of the ball. Willock averages 2.10 dribbles per game. The winger also contributes defensively with 5.82 duels won per game and winning the ball in the final third 0.86 times per games. I see this as a risk free signing, a player coming into his peak years and already proven at this level, that could be similar in to Karlan Grant.
Chidera Ejuke:
Club: CSKA Moswcow (On loan at Royal Antwerp)
Age: 26
Appearances: 20
Goals: 3
Assists: 4
Goals Per 90: 0.22
Assists Per 90: 0.29
Market Value: £4.2M
Obviously a highly ambitious move, but it's a move that was on the cards in the summer, with Ejuke even visiting the Welsh capital. Ejuke also becomes a free agent this summer, so Cardiff won't have to worry about any transfer fees. The 26 year-old is brilliant on the ball averaging 3.79 successful dribbles per game. Ejuke also creates 2.11 chances per game.On a free, I think it's a deal that Cardiff could pull off, and it would go down as one of the signings of the summer.
Karlan Grant:
Club: West Bromwich Albion (On loan at Cardiff City)
Age: 26
Appearances: 33
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
Goals Per 90: 0.17
Assists Per 90: 0.07
Market Value: £2.8M
I can't not put KG on this list. In my opinion, should be one of The Bluebirds' priorities in the summer. West Brom have made it no secret they're keen to get his wages off the bill, and Cardiff have reportedly been paying the majority of that wage this season. The pacey winger is good on the ball, and holds a great ability of beating his man. Grant has also proven in previous seasons that he's capable of being clinical. KG is also versatile, something that has changed games for Cardiff this season.
Summary:
There's coutnless options in this list, that Cardiff are capable of pulling off. Some familiar names that are proven at this level, and would make an instant impact upon arrival, and also some more high profile names that I'd be confident could have a hugwe impact on Cardiff's season, if signed.
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