IDEAL SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW
- ccfcinsider
- Jun 17
- 8 min read
It's the biggest summer in a long time at Cardiff City, as they now face the task of an instant return to the Championship. Now that the services of Brian Barry-Murphy have been confirmed, I've put together an Ideal Summer Transfer Window, in my opinion.
Departures:
Ethan Horvath (£400K)
Horvath has struggled this season, and I think out of the two keepers', the American is the only one who could command an okay fee, due to being proven at Championship level as a number two. Also, the 29 year-old will want to get back in the USA national team setup, and he will not get back in at a League One club.
Perry Ng (£2M)
With a year left on his deal, this is the last summer City could command a decent fee for Perry Ng. Similar to Horvath, Ng had a disappointing season despite being ever-reliable for City in previous seasons. I also feel Cardiff now need something different from a right-back in a Barry-Murphy side. The 28 year-old has also built up credibility in the Championship, and I imagine he'll be on quite a few sides shortlist.
Callum Robinson (£1.5M)
Another reliable Championship option that will be snapped up. Most clubs are always looking for someone who can get you seven or eight goals a season, and Robinson has largely done that over his career. Again, similar to Perry Ng, this is the last summer City will get a good fee for Robinson.
Ryan Wintle (£400k)
After a poor spell at Millwall, and with one year left on his deal, now seems a logical time to try and move on Ryan Wintle. Again, it's the last summer City can get something for Wintle, and in terms of moving forward, Cardiff at this moment in time, need a midfielder that offers something a little different to the 27 year-old.
Kion Etete (£350k)
Etete finds himself in a difficult position. At twenty-three, he's yet to have a season where he's consistently scored goals week in week out, and is kind of at a crossroads. City have options ahead of Etete, who desperately needs to find a permanent home to prove himself.
Matt Turner (£50k)
Turner needs to start playing, and I don't feel he will do it here. At twenty-three and one year left on his deal, now seems a logical time for the Welsh goalkeeper to move on a permanent basis and find a place he can become number one. City have younger options who could step into the third goalkeeper role for now, such as Luke Armstrong, Ewan Griffiths, Jake Dennis and a few others.
Michael Reindorf (Loan)
There's still something to come from Michael Reindorf, for me. Therefore, sitting on the bench for a season is not what Reindorf, a full season as a number nine week in week out in men's football will be hugely beneficial for the 20 year-old at this stage in his career.
Luey Giles (Loan)
Soon to be nineteen, Giles is another I feel there's so much to come from. With Giles, I just feel he needs a consistent run playing first team football, whether that be for six months or a full season. The sky is the limit, it's just time to get the ball rolling.
What does that leave us with?
Goalkeepers:
Jak Alnwick, (Academy choices: Luke Armstrong, Ewan Griffiths, Jake Dennis)
Defenders:
Jesper Daland, Will Fish, Calum Chambers, Ryotaro Tsunoda, Joel Bagan, Ronan Kpakio, Dylan Lawlor.
Midfielders:
David Turnbull, Eli King, Joel Colwill, Alex Robertson, Rubin Colwill.
Forwards:
Yousef Salech, Isaak Davies, Chris Willock, Ollie Tanner, Callum O'Dowda, Cian Ashford, Roko Simic.
*Assuming Joe Ralls and Andy Rinomhota also depart.
What do Cardiff City Need?
New GK - A new number one is essential for City. When you're conceding so many goals, a total revamp is needed in that area. Cardiff have had some great goalkeepers over the years, and this summer is time to find another one.
Dominant CB - Cardiff City conceded eighty-two goals in all competitions last season, so it's obvious Cardiff need a dominant centre-back. A leader in the heart of the defence who does the ugly side excellently. One that can help guide the younger defenders coming through around him, as well. Preferably one with League One pedigree as well.
Energetic fullbacks - City need pace down the flanks, and that includes at fullbacks. For the last few season, Cardiff have had predominantly defensive-focused fullbacks who don't exactly bomb forward with pace. The Bluebirds need pace in order to make them a more expansive, front-footed and excited side to watch.
Athletic Number Six - Cardiff need something different in midfield. City have too many midfielders who do the same thing at varying levels. The Bluebirds need to add some athleticism to their midfield, in order to add more spine and grit to the side. A new number six could help balance things up, as Cardiff have bags if talent in their midfield ranks, it's now about making the most of that.
Pace! Pace! Pace! - The Bluebirds need pace on the flanks. Cardiff have tricky and talented wingers, but they now need a winger who offers the other side to being a winger. Fast and direct who can deliver a good ball to the two talented target men City have in their ranks at the moment.
Incomings:
Joe Whitworth - Crystal Palace (Loan)
Whitworth would be an extremely ideal option for a Brian Barry-Murphy side. He’s confident playing short passes, often under pressure, and has a good range—suited to teams that build from the back. Whitworth has good reflexes and reaction saves, especially in close-range 1v1s. The 22 year-old's positioning is strong, though still developing consistency at senior level. There's still room to grow, but this feels like the perfect match for what Cardiff City will be looking for in a new goalkeeper for a Brian Barry-Murphy side.
Eoghan O'Connell - Wrexham (£450k)
Cardiff have missed the boat on the no-brainer experienced centre-backs that were available for free this summer, Michael Ihiekwe, Fraser Horsfall, Semi Ajayi and Paudie O'Connor to name a few. So, City are going to have to look for players under contract, as someone of that ilk is a necessity this summer. Wrexham are targeting a new centre-back this summer, with question mark over if Eoghan O'Connell will be able to make the step up to Championship football, this'll inevitably less game time for O'Connell. At twenty-nine that's not something the defender can necessarily afford. O'Connell worked with Barry-Murphy at Rochdale, and captained the side, therefore will know the BBM system fairly well. O’Connell is a composed, ball-playing centre-back known for his intelligence, leadership, and technical ability. Comfortable receiving under pressure, he excels in systems that emphasize building from the back, often stepping into midfield with poise to initiate attacks. Though not the most physically dominant, he reads the game well, makes smart interceptions, and organizes those around him. O'Connell's contract situation is unclear.
Lynden Gooch - Free Agent (Free Transfer)
Not sure how popular of a suggestion this will be, but Gooch for free is a no brainer in my opinion. Twenty-nine, proven in the EFL, been a captain throughout his career and offers what Cardiff need from fullback. Having started his career as a winger, Gooch offers that offensive threat, and since transitioning to right-back has shown a good level of defensive capabilities. Gooch's energetic style could be a smart pickup for Barry-Murphy's men this summer.
Luke Chambers - Liverpool (Loan)
Luke Chambers is another youngster who is tipped for big things, but is in need of a season of and out and out regular football. The 20 year-old has caught the eye in his spells at Kilmarnock and Wigan Athletic. Chambers is composed on the ball, picks smart passes, and supports attacks with well-timed overlaps and accurate crosses. Defensively, he’s positionally solid and reads the game well, preferring interceptions over risky tackles. Not overly quick, but has good stamina and awareness, making him reliable at both ends of the pitch. The left-back market is limited this summer, but this would be a great pickup for City.
Ryan Teague - Melbourne Victory (£750k)
The Australian market is an un-tapped one full of quality, and for once I feel City should get ahead of the curve. Ryan Teague ticks so many boxes that Cardiff City need in a number six. Teague is a calm and smart defensive midfielder known for breaking up plays and distributing the ball well. He helps connect defence and attack with good passing and supports both defensively and offensively. Teague has also worn the captain's armband at various points in his career, showing his leadership skills. City have recruited one really good Australian midfielder, and they should do it once more this summer.
Abraham Odoh - Peterborough United (£2M)
Abraham Odoh has perhaps gone under the radar at Posh, with more high profile names at the club, but in his opening season at the club he registered twenty-one goal involvements in all competition. New City boss Brian Barry-Murphy and Odoh do have history, with the Irishman having signed Odoh at Rochdale (he was on my list before I knew that, I promise). Odoh is a quick, agile winger known for his direct running and ability to drive forward with the ball. He thrives in transition, using his speed and sharp passing to link play and create chances. Though not physically dominant, his low centre of gravity and flair make him hard to dispossess, especially in tight spaces. The 24 year-old is completely different to the wingers City currently have in their roster, and could contribute both in the short term and long term for City.
What Does This Look Like?
We've done the incomings, and outgoings, so what does that leave us with?
Key Points:
Defensive Refresh - With four of the six additions coming in the defensive area, it shows where City really need to be focusing their recruitment this summer. A modern all-action goalkeeper, two energetic fullbacks and a commander in the heart of the defence with leadership skills.
Rubin Colwill further back - I think Rubin Colwill's future comes as a six or an eight. I don't believe at twenty-three his goal output is high enough for someone playing as a ten, therefore playing him deeper can utilise his qualities far better. Picking up the ball from the defence on the half turn and playing forward, as well as his quality in tight spaces, I think Rubin Colwill has the potential to make a great six/eight. This is also where Craig Bellamy sees Colwill's long-term position being.
Willock as a Ten - This plays into City needing more pace on the flanks. Willock doesn't have that blistering pace to unlock sides, what he does have is ability and trickiness on the ball, therefore I think Willock is more suited to the ten position. A position where he can free roam and dictate play in the final third.
Bloated Squad? - This is a squad of twenty-six, which some could say is bloated. It does fit into the registration rules for League One, with U21's and Goalkeepers not needing to be registered. The thought process behind a slightly larger squad is two things: Cardiff have a core of players who struggle to stay fit, therefore you need to be proactive and plan for worst case scenario when these players get injured, also, City at a minimum are going to play fifty-one games, so they're going to need healthy depth in order to stay consistent throughout the season.
IDEAL not necessarily Realistic - This is to save the 'nice idea but it'll never happen' comments. This is my ideal window, you might have a different ideal. Upon review, my window ebbs and flows between being realistic and unrealistic, do I genuinely believe Cardiff have a Melbourne midfielder on their radar? No, no I don't. Are there players I would keep that I expect to go? Yes. This is simply the window I would have if everything were to be plain-sailing and ideal (which is silly to suggest regarding Cardiff City).
Thank You for reading!
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