IDEAL SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW
- ccfcinsider
- Jun 5, 2024
- 8 min read
Cardiff City have a big summer ahead of them, as they look to build on progress made over the last twelve months. Now that the services of Erol Bulut have been confirmed, I've put together an Ideal Summer Transfer Window, in my opinion.
Departures:
Romaine Sawyers (Release)
After a mixed first season at The Bluebirds, Romaine Sawyers' fait has essentially been sealed since last summer, after being told he was 'free to leave'. Seems an upbeat and positive guy with a good football knowledge. Sawyers has brought us some great moments in his time in blue, wish him the very best.
Sheyi Ojo (Release)
The return that just didn't work out. Ojo showed signs of his old self last season, but failed to find any real rhythm, and was immediately shown the door by Erol Bulut. Ojo has failed to make any real impact in Belgium and has likely played his last minutes in blue. Wish him the very best.
Callum Robinson (£1M)
Robbo just hasn't settled under Erol Bulut. Now Rubin Colwill, David Turnbull and Aaron Ramsey ahead in the pecking order, it looks a difficult road back into the team for Robinson. Robbo has also recently been disciplined by the club due to the Irish international not meeting Bulut's requirements for respect and discipline. I think it's better at in this stage of Robinson's career, he goes somewhere he will be the star of the show, as he has the ability.
Ebou Adams (£750k)
Unfortunately a move that just hasn't worked out for Ebou. After spending last season injured, Adams spent the first half of the season trying to make up the lost time, however never found consistency in his limited minutes. I feel it's best for Adams heading into his peak years to go somewhere he will be valued and try to maximize himself. Another that seems a top character, a shame it hasn't worked out.
Andy Rinomhota (£700k)
Another that feels bound to happen. Racked up almost fifty appearances since joining Cardiff last summer, but has been in and out of the starting eleven. His qualities have probably been undervalued at times, I feel. However with one year left on his deal, in a similar case to Ebou Adams, Rinomhota needs to find a club that will appreciate his qualities.
Mahlon Romeo (500k)
Heading into the last twelve months of his deal, at the age of 28, Romeo needs to find a place where he gets regular game time. Having recently been disciplined by the club as well, it seems Romeo may want out as well. A shame to see things end on a sour note, after a good debut season, however Romeo has been a victim of the formation change and had little action under Erol Bulut.
Joel Bagan (Loan)
Bagan would have benefited a lot from a season of first team action in Belgium. Things weren't all plain sailing, which is why Bagan could do with one more loan spell. Preferably this would be in the Championship or high end League One. Perhaps only for six months, before reviewing how thing are going.
Eli King (Loan)
Possibly just a six month gig. King had a brilliant first half of the season at Morecambe, but didn't quite have the same success with Ross County. I think if King could go into a League One level club and boss things like he did at Morecambe, then he could be apart of The Bluebirds' squad for the second half of the season. A long term replacement for Ryan Wintle, King needs regular football, and that should be the priority at this moment in time.
Kion Etete (Loan)
Isaak Davies has had his turn, now it's Etete's. A similar loan to Davies', perhaps at Kortrijk. Etete needs to go somewhere where he will be the main man. The 22 year-old also has a contract to play for, something he won't earn from cameo substitute appearances. The potential is definitely there, now it's time to turn that into something.
Who Does That Leave Us With?
Goalkeepers:
Ethan Horvath, Jak Alnwick, Matt Turner.
Defenders:
Dimitrios Goutas, Perry Ng, Mark McGuinness, Jamilu Collins, Ryotaro Tsunoda, Raheem Conte, Malachi Fagan-Walcott.
Midfielders:
Manolis Siopis, Ryan Wintle, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Ralls, Rubin Colwill, Joel Colwill, David Turnbull.
Attackers:
Isaak Davies, Cian Ashford, Callum O'Dowda, Yakou Meite, Ollie Tanner.
What Do Cardiff City Need?
Progressive Midfielder - In terms of Progressive Passes, Cardiff sit 23rd in the Championship, averaging just 28.3 Progressive Passes per game. The Bluebirds sit 21st in terms of Progressive Carries, averaging 13.2 per game. Cardiff also sit 21st in terms of Progressive Carrying Distance, with 24,873km. This proving Cardiff's need for someone in the middle of the park, capable of progressing play and being the key from turning defence to attack.
Wide Creator - Cardiff have failed to make many chances from open play wide areas under Bulut so far. Karlan Grant with just two assists, Callum O'Dowda with two, Josh Bowler with one and Ollie Tanner with one. Cardiff need players on the flanks capable of scoring but also creating chances for others. The Bluebirds sit 17th in terms of Goal Creating Actions, averaging 1.79 per game.
Influential Striker - The obvious one. Cardiff need a striker that can score, and more. Cardiff sit 22nd for Touches in the Final Third, averaging 113.3 per game. Cardiff need a striker that can control the game from the front, and can be relied when called upon. They also need a willing presser of the ball, something that needs improving across the entire pitch, but starting with the striker could see huge rewards. Cardiff sit 18th in terms of High End Turnovers, with 261 throughout the entire campaign.
Ball Playing Defender - As solid as both McGuinness and Goutas are defensively, on the ball is where the pair, especially McGuinness, struggle. During Cardiff's mid season slump is when Cardiff played more direct. Cardiff sit 3rd in terms of Long Passes Completed, averaging 42.9 per game, The Bluebirds sit 4th for Switches Completed, averaging 4.29 per game and Cardiff sit 17th in terms of average possession (44.7%). Cardiff are in need of a calming influence at the back, that is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Incomings:
Emre Akbaba (Free Transfer)
This would rely on Bulut using his Turkish connections. A technically gifted footballer who has both attacking and defensive capabilities. Akbaba's brilliant on the ball ability allows him to progress his side up the pitch, as he often strolls into the final third, and is then more than capable of picking a good pass. The 31 year-old is also a willing presser, and often nicks the ball high up the pitch for his side, he also helps in the defensive third. With seven goals and two assists this season, I think he'd be beyond a great pickup.
Kwame Poku (£2.5M)
Poku will be playing Championship football next season, and Cardiff City would be fools not to throw the kitchen sink at him. Poku finished ninth in League One for non G/A per game, averaging 0.66 Goal Involvements per game. The 22 year-old is improving season on season with his direct and fast style. The Ghanaian international creates 1.97 chances per game, compare this to Josh Bowler who on average creates 0.92 per game. Poku's pace and power has made him one of the most sought after talents in the EFL, and he's a talent Cardiff should pursue.
Dimitrios Pelkas (Free Transfer)
This is more a safe bet with Bulut. Pelkas has played previously for Bulut at Fenerbahce, the 30 year-old has also had a stint in the Championship, last season with Hull City. Pelkas' best years came under the management of Erol Bulut, so with the Greek playmaker available on a free in the summer, there's a possibility the two might reconnect. Pelkas has created on average 1.25 Chances per game in the Super Lig with Basaksehir, and is averaging 1.34 Dribbles per game. A good squad depth option, with previous experience at a high level. Also, can't go wrong with another Greek...
Milan Smit (£1M)
A rising talent in Holland, Smit meets the criteria that's needed by The Bluebirds. A willing presser that gets involved in play, and is strong on the ball. The 21 year-old has five assists this season showing he likes to get involved. As well as that, Smit has nineteen goals, with a mixture of headed goals and balls to his feet and then calm finishes. There's nothing extraordinary about what Smit does, the six foot two Target Man just plays to his strengths, using his pace and power to bully defenders.
Kieffer Moore (Loan)
Erol Bulut has made it no secret that he wants Kieffer Moore. I feel Moore could add a bit of much needed experience in the front line. Moore has proven with Ipswich he's still a big threat at this level. I feel a loan would be better suited due to the fact Moore's deal expires in 2025, dependent on how the loan goes, Cardiff could make a permanent move, but a loan gives Bulut a season to work with the Welsh international before making a final decision.
Cody Drameh (Free)
Cardiff supporters no better than any other what Drameh is capable of. The 22 year-old is in need of a place where he feels wanted, something the Cardiff fans made him feel in his six months in the Welsh Capital. Drameh is an explosive fullback, capable of playing on both sides and would offer The Bluebirds something a little different. Drameh is strong defensively but can also contribute in the attacking third.
Nat Phillips (£2M)
The pick of the loan bunch from the 23/24 season, Bulut has made it no secret that he's keen to keep Phillips. Phillips heads into the last twelve months of his Liverpool deal, and at twenty-seven really needs to find a permanent home. Phillips became a key player at the back end of the season for The Bluebirds. Phillips won on average 4.08 Aerial Duels per game, completed 4.81 Clearances per game, 1.63 Tackles per game and 1.36 Blocks per game. Phillips formed a good relationship with Dimitrios Goutas, with the pair having a good mix of several attributes.
What Does This Look Like?
We've done the incomings, and outgoings, so what does that leave us with?
Key Points:
Flexibility At Fullback - This window would offer four different profiles at fullback. The four fullbacks selected all excel in different departments. Tsunoda and Ng are capable on the ball and can play the inverted role with ease. Drameh and Collins offer a more defensive style in games where Cardiff will be under pressure. If Cardiff choose not to loan out Joel Bagan, then he easily slots into the side as well, being of similar profile to Tsunoda.
'Ramsey/Colwill' - I've highlighted both to start because the likelihood is Colwill is the one who will spend the majority of the season fit. Ramsey is a luxury player that has proved his body perhaps isn't hacked to play more than fifteen to twenty games in a season, therefore you're going to need a cover play, and you won't find better than Colwill and Turnbull.
Balanced Strike Force - With the three strikers selected, there's a good mix. You've got a more experienced head in Kieffer Moore, a seasoned Championship pro Yakou Meite and an up and coming striker in Milan Smit. All bring different qualities to the table and can all play a role dependent on opposition.
Depth On The Flanks - Cardiff haven't had quality in depth on the wing in years, more than one or two players capable of delivering out wide. The four I've selected all bring different qualities and can be utilised in all different scenarios.
Continuity Within The Squad - Cardiff have done a lot of chopping and changing since being relegated really, with this window it maintains a good chore of the squad from the 23/24 season. Relationships would have been built over the course of the season, and it's something the players can continue heading into another campaign.
Investment - Some of you will think there's absolutely no way Vincent Tan will fork out £5.5M on a new players, however with those player sales you make just under £3M. Bulut will not have signed his deal unless he would get a reasonable budget, so asking Tan to give Bulut a decent budget should be quite a reasonable request. With such an open division next season, investment is vital if Cardiff want to be pushing for the top six places.
*Some Academy players have been left out as I'm not 100% on their contract situations.
Thank You for reading!
コメント