IDEAL SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW
- ccfcinsider
- May 26
- 8 min read
Cardiff City have confirmed an instant return to the Championship, leaving Brian Barry-Murphy with the major job of building a squad capable of competing in the Second Tier. With that in mind, I have put together my personal ideal window for this summer.
Departures:
Kion Etete (Free Transfer)
After another two failed loan spells, Kion Etete's days in the Welsh Capital look to be numbered. The 24 year-old now finds himself in the final twelve months of his Cardiff deal, and should be seeking a permanent home to try and reignite his career that has quickly turned sour after a injury-hit two seasons.
Callum Robinson (£750k)
This summer feels the natural end to a City icon this summer, that being Callum Robinson. The Irish international contributed with ten goals last season, but it was evident over the course of the season that the 31 year-old was perhaps not preferred by Brian Barry-Murphy, starting just eight league games despite being fit all season. Now in the last twelve months of his Cardiff deal, this summer both could part ways on good terms and thank Robinson for his amazing service as a Bluebird.
Jesper Daland (£1.5M)
Cardiff need to add another centre-half in the summer, naturally meaning one must move on. Jesper Daland struggled with the physicality of the Championship in his season at the CCS, and after an underwhelming loan at Dusseldorf, a departure back into Europe and a less physical league may suit Daland.
Isaak Davies (Loan)
Davies' quality has been shown on numerous occasions since breaking into the first team, however the Welsh international finds himself down the pecking order both out wide and as the number nine. After another season of struggle with injuries, a loan move could be as beneficial this summer as when Davies was loaned out in 2023. Being the main man yet again could see Davies find that confidence he had upon his return from Kortrijk.
Cian Ashford (Loan)
I still remain massively undecided on this. I do feel Ashford could do with, even if it's just for six months, going back to League One to just graft and play week in week out. At 21, Ashford has time on his side, and a short term loan to the third tier could be the catalyst to a step up in Ashford's level. The forward has evident quality and will be a valuable asset for years to come.
What does that leave us with?
Goalkeepers:
Nathan Trott, Harry Tyrer, Matt Turner
Defenders:
Will Fish, Calum Chambers, Perry Ng, Gabriel Osho, Joel Bagan, Ronan Kpakio, Dylan Lawlor.
Midfielders:
David Turnbull, Joel Colwill, Alex Robertson, Rubin Colwill, Eli King, Rob Tankiewicz.
Forwards:
Yousef Salech, Chris Willock, Ollie Tanner, Roko Simic, Axel Donczew.
What do Cardiff City need?
Commanding Centre-back - Cardiff showed frailties defensively in League One, therefore due to the step up in division, it's even more important that Cardiff secure things back there. So, a commanding centre-half could prove pivotal in this window.
Left-back competition - Joel Bagan was named in the League One Team of the Season after an incredible season, but following the end of Calum Scanlon's loan, City are now in the market to find competition for Bagan this season, and to strengthen in that area.
Dynamic Number six - Cardiff need to add something slightly different in midfield to become more adaptable. A number six capable of dictating play and sweeping well would be some qualities I think City should seek to add this summer.
Number Ten Competition - The number ten position is looking light for Cardiff currently, therefore an addition there that can possibly play other positions would be ideal.
Quality out wide - The Bluebirds need to add quality in the wide department, someone with pedigree and ideally success at the level already. City also need to add pace on the flanks.
Addition in the front line - Cardiff could do with another option up front, to have three strikers active and competing for the role.
Incomings:
Liam Kitching - Coventry City (Loan)
A name familiar to Bluebirds having already got two goals for Cardiff to his name. Kitching is tipped to leave Coventry following their promotion to the Premier League, and could offer City a stable and proven Championship option. Kitching is a left-footed centre-back known for his composure in possession, progressive passing, and willingness to step into midfield to help build attacks from the back. Defensively, he relies more on positioning, anticipation, and aerial strength than outright pace, making him effective in structured, possession-oriented systems. The 26 year-old would be an ambitious piece of business to assure things defensively.
Alternatives: Tyler Bindon - Nottingham Forest (Loan), Jannik Vestergaard - Leicester City (£700k), Lloyd Jones - Charlton Athletic (£1M)
Jack Currie - Oxford United (£800k)
Jack Currie is a ready-made Brian Barry-Murphy left-back. Currie excels defensively, with strong tackling and duel numbers. The 24 year-old's attacking abilities suit BBM, with Currie often reaching the by-line before cutting back to an option in the middle, something Joel Bagan did time after time last season, 59.2% of Currie's created chances last season followed this blueprint. Coming off the back of an individually good campaign at a relegated Oxford United, Currie could be a shrewd piece of business as City look to add in the left-back department. The left-back's willingness to do both defensive and attacking work, to a good level, makes him feel like a Barry-Murphy sort of fullback. An admitted setback would be that Currie is going to be undergoing surgery this summer.
Alternatives: Stephen Mfuni - Manchester City (Loan), Harry Amass - Manchester United (Loan), Dennis Cirkin - Sunderland (Free)
Marcus Lindberg - IK Sirius (£2.5M)
Cardiff's last addition from IK Sirius wasn't too bad, and Lindberg would be an impressive coup if City still have their eyes on the Swedish top flight. Lindberg is typically a composed central midfielder who prefers to control tempo through short passing and intelligent positioning. He reads the game well defensively, often intercepting passes and supporting build-up play from deeper areas of the pitch. In possession, he tends to favour efficient circulation and disciplined movement rather than high-risk dribbling or flair. His calm distribution, tactical discipline, and comfort in structured possession would make him a natural fit for a Brian Barry-Murphy side focused on controlled build-up and positional play. As it's mid season for Sirius, he would probably cost the premium, but would be a real statement signing.
Alternatives: Ethan Brierley - Brentford (Free Transfer), Juho Kilo - ADO Den Haag (£1M), David Ozoh - Crystal Palace (Loan)
Omari Kellyman - Chelsea (Loan)
A return to the CCS in whatever capacity seems natural for Omari Kellyman. A permanent deal just doesn't seem viable, therefore another loan move could suit both parties. Kellyman is a technically gifted attacking midfielder who likes to drift between the lines, carry the ball forward, and create chances with quick combinations and clever passing. He’s also comfortable playing wide or centrally, using close control and composure in tight spaces to beat defenders and link attacks efficiently. The 20 year-old contributed with thirteen foal involvements for City last year, and would be a good addition this summer.
Alternatives: Sam Szmodics - Ipswich Town (Loan), Sverre Nypan - Manchester City (Loan), Conor Chaplin - Ipswich Town (Free Transfer)
Adedire Mebude - Rizespor (£1.5M)
After showing plenty of promise in the Manchester City Academy, and an initial struggle at senior level, a move to Turkey with Rizespor has been crucial for Dire Mebude. The 21 year-old has contributed with five goal involvements since his February move. His numbers would need to improve, however, Mebude is a direct, explosive winger who likes to attack defenders one-v-one with pace and quick changes of direction. He usually plays wide to stretch the pitch, making aggressive runs in behind and delivering cutbacks or crosses after beating his marker. Mebude and BBM shared a highly successful few years together at Manchester City, with Mebude contributing with twenty-six goal involvements in thirty-three appearances under Barry-Murphy. Obviously there's an evident leap to the Championship, but City should invest in the Mebude stocks, and allow BBM to pick up where he left off with the winger at Man City. The Scotland U21 international can make an immediate impact at the CCS, holding many of the credentials that are essential for Cardiff to recruit in a winger this summer.
Alternatives: Amario Cozier-Duberry - Brighton (Loan), Lewis Dobbin - Aston Villa (Loan), Stanley Mills - Oxford United (£1M)
Shunsuke Mito - Sparta Rotterdam (£2M)
Japan international Shunsuke Mito has just enjoyed a successful campaign in the Eredivisie with Sparta Rotterdam, netting seven and setting up three. Mito is a quick, technical winger who likes to receive the ball wide before driving directly at defenders with sharp dribbling and acceleration. He is comfortable cutting inside onto his stronger foot to combine in tight areas or create shooting opportunities around the box. His movement, work rate, and ability to progress the ball in transition make him especially effective in fast, aggressive attacking systems. At 23, Mito has an extremely high ceiling and could be a shrewd piece of business.
Alternatives: Tommy Watson - Brighton (Loan), Reigan Heskey - Manchester City (Loan), Jayden Braaf - Free Agent (Free Transfer)
Will Lankshear - Tottenham Hotspur (Loan)
Cardiff held an interest in Will Lankshear in January 2025, and after an impressive individual campaign at Oxford United, City should reignite their interest in the 21 year-old. Lankshear is a mobile centre-forward who thrives on sharp movement inside the box, quick finishing, and intelligent positioning between defenders. He also works hard off the ball, pressing aggressively and linking play well with teammates in fast attacking transitions. After twelve goals last campaign, Cardiff and Brian Barry-Murphy could be perfect for Lankshear's development.
Alternatives: Divin Mubama - Manchester City (Loan), Shumaira Mheuka - Chelsea (Loan), Luca Kjerrumgaard - Udinese (Loan)
What Does This Look Like?
We've done the incomings, and outgoings, so what does that leave us with?
Key Points:
Five centre-backs - Whilst five probably seems to many centre-back options, Lawlor, Osho and Chambers all had their injury struggles last season. The latter two also are able to step up into midfield if required. Cardiff conceded plenty of soft goals last season, also, therefore I feel a fresh face in the heart of City's defence could offer the refresh possible.
Attacking refresh - Whilst Cardiff's attack was close to flawless last season, with a step up in level, City need to match that and add the quality in attack to be able to compete in the Championship. Every current contracted attacker was here when The Bluebirds finished rock bottom of the Championship, showing City need to step up their attacking game.
Ruthless departures - Callum Robinson, Isaak Davies and Cian Ashford signal the ruthlessness needed by Cardiff following promotion. All three offer plenty of quality in their own rights, and can offer something in the Championship if they remain, however they're probably the three upgradeable options in the Cardiff front line.
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. This is simply the window I would have if everything were to be plain-sailing and ideal.
Thank You for reading!
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