GRADING CARDIFF CITY'S JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW
- ccfcinsider
- Apr 3, 2024
- 3 min read
With just six games remaining, Cardiff City's January Transfers have had time to settle in and have all had their fair share of minutes. So I think now is a fair time to grade how well the summer recruits have faired so far.
January Transfer Window:
Supporters spent the majority of January frustrated as Cardiff made their first of five signings on the 30th of January. Bulut was given his budget with two days remaining of the window, and Bulut made five additions in that time. With Nat Phillips, Famara Diedhiou and Josh Wilson-Esbrand coming in on loan. David Turnbull and Ethan Horvath made permanent moves to the Welsh capital.
Nat Phillips - A
Phillips has settled in really well at The Bluebirds. The Liverpool loanee has formed a formidable partnership with Dimitrios Goutas. Phillips brings calmness to the back line and oozes quality. The 27 year-old is capable on the ball and strong in is defensive actions. Erol Bulut has already expressed his desire to keep Phillips if he remains in charge, this showing the impact Phillips has made. Phillips had the difficult challenge of replacing the injured Mark McGuinness, but Phillips has stepped up to the challenge and excelled.
Famara Diedhiou - D
Perhaps harsh on Diedhiou who's had a hard time at The Bluebirds. Personally, I feel Diedhiou is yet to have a real chance at Cardiff, but unfortunately in the forwards limited minutes, Diedhiou hasn't shown anything to earn a chance. Unfortunately Diedhiou wasn't given the chance to build on his goal against Huddersfield. I think as a fan base we knew Diedhiou wasn't very high on Bulut's want list, and things have panned out unfortunately as we expected. The 31 year-old was absent from the most recent Matchday squad.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand - C+
Such a raw talent, and a hard one to grade, I feel. Wilson-Esbrand on a whole has been a good addition. JWE has shown his capabilities getting forward and linked well with Karlan Grant. The main grudge is the 21 year-old's defensive capabilities, something Wilson-Esbrand has plenty of time to work on. In games where Cardiff have been under pressure, Wilson-Esbrand has struggled, but when Cardiff have freedom going forward, that's where we've seen the fullbacks capabilites.
Ethan Horvath - A
Horvath has become a really vital player since joining in January. The USA international has made vital saves to save Cardiff points in his ten games for The Bluebirds. Supporters have warmed to the 28 year-old who's claimed that Cardiff number one shirt, and has earned the chance to be Cardiff's first choice goalkeeper ahead of the remainder of this season, and the beginning of next season.
David Turnbull - B
The Bluebirds marquee signing, and Turnbull has shown his quality when given a fair chance. In Turnbull's seven starts, the 24 year-old has shown quality on the ball and a great ability to break lines. Turnbull also possesses a great set piece taking ability, with his only assist thus far coming from a pinpoint corner that Perry Ng nodded home against Bristol City. The feeling with Turnbull is this is just the beginning, as the Scotsman has a big future ahead.
Summary:
Given the fact Erol Bulut had two days to complete Cardiff's January business, I think Bulut has signed well. The majority of the signings have made a good impact and have given Cardiff a new lease of life, as The Bluebirds were struggling pre January.
With Turnbull and Horvath the only permanent signings, Cardiff have spent well with an eye on the future as well. Good foundations ahead of a big summer.
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