Cardiff City have a crucial January ahead. Where they need to secure players who can be counted and drag The Bluebirds out of their current state, whilst also moving out some to allow space for new faces.
Departures:
Wilfried Kanga (Loan Termination)
This sort of seems inevitable. It's best suited for both parties than Wilfried Kanga continues his career elsewhere. Kanga has struggled for minutes under Omer Riza, who has already hinted Kanga's days in the Welsh Capital are numbered.
Jamilu Collins (£300k)
Another that Riza has moved out subtly. JC has featured just twice since Riza took charge and looks destined for a January exit. Collins was one of City's more consistent figures last season but has failed to replicate that form consistently due to a lack o game time. With younger option Joel Bagan, Tom Davies and Luey Giles all breaking through it appears best for both parties that JC makes way in January.
Yakou Meite (£250k)
I'm in what feels like the minority most of the time, but I rate Yakou Meite. But I appreciate this is City's last chance to get somewhat of a fee for the forward, whilst Meite's in some okay form at the moment. It's not a piece of business I'd be pushing to do, but if it's a deal that does occur then I wouldn't turn it down. It also then allows you to use his wages on a new signing.
Matthew Turner (Loan)
A name Cardiff fans probably aren't thinking about in this window, as the club quite frankly have bigger fish to fry. However, City need to get Turner playing football. Except for two brief spells in the Cymru Premier, Turner is yet to be exposed to proper senior football. Turner will soon turn twenty-three and needs to start playing games sooner rather than later.
Tom Davies (Loan)
Davies has proven since his return from Kilmarnock that he's probably better than U21's. The 21 year-old should probably head out on loan to an EFL side for six months. With Davies having six months left on his deal, it gives City a chance to properly assess him before making the choice on whether to trigger an extra year or not.
Kion Etete (Loan)
Etete now finds himself in an awkward position. Six months left on his deal but has been out of action for almost nine months. The 23 year-old needs to build himself back and start playing week in week out again, something City probably can't afford to take a risk on at this moment in time. So a loan allows Etete to start playing again and gives City a fair chance to assess him before making a final decision on his contract.
Michael Reindorf (Loan)
Reindorf is a huge talent and is rightly so being touted for big things. I personally feel he's better suited to playing every week in the men's game. He's clearly too good to be playing with the 21's due to his physical presence, so I'd like to see him up against experienced pros every week and see how he deals and what it brings out of him.
Who does that leave us with?
GK:
Jak Alnwick, Ethan Horvath, Ewan Griffiths.
DF:
Dimitrios Goutas, Will Fish, Jesper Daland, Dylan Lawlor, Callum O'Dowda, Joel Bagan, Perry Ng, Andy Rinomhota.
MF:
Manolis Siopis, Joe Ralls, Calum Chambers, Alex Robertson, David Turnbull, Aaron Ramsey, Rubin Colwill.
FW:
Callum Robinson, Isaak Davies, Chris Willock, Anwar El Ghazi, Ollie Tanner, Roko Simic, Cian Ashford.
What do Cardiff Need?
Influential Striker - The obvious one. Cardiff City need an out and out number nine that simply scores goals, that's it. If you provide service then the striker is there to mop up and guide City up the table. The Bluebirds sit bottom for goals per game (0.81) which shows how much of an urgent matter this is.
Pace in the Wide department - Cardiff have plenty of talented wingers, but if we're talking pace, Ollie Tanner is the only real bit of pace down the flanks for City. Therefore, City need to recruit a winger who is quick and with some end product.
Competition at RB - Andy Rinomhota had deputised well at right-back, but City should be and are reportedly looking to add competition in the right-back department.
Midfield depth - With Andy Rinomhota more being deployed as a wing-back this season, Aaron Ramsey and David Turnbull being injured it's leaving City fairly thin in midfield. Cardiff could do with an extra body or two in midfield, preferably that offer quality.
Incomings:
Ricky-Jade Jones (£2M)
Ricky Jade-Jones appears to be Cardiff's first choice in the striker department this window. The 22 year-old has fifteen goal involvements in all competitions so far this season. Jones is known for his lightning-fast pace. His ability to accelerate from a standing start makes him a dangerous player on the counter-attack. He can quickly close down space, which makes him a threat whenever he’s in behind the opposition’s defensive line. One of Jones' standout qualities is his close control and dribbling ability. He’s able to take on defenders with confidence and creativity, often beating them with quick changes in direction or skill moves. His balance and close ball control allow him to keep the ball under pressure. While speed is his main weapon, Jones also has a keen eye for goal. His finishing ability, especially when one-on-one with the goalkeeper, allows him to convert chances into goals. He’s composed in front of goal, often finishing with precision, whether it’s a low shot, a chip, or a powerful strike. Cardiff have had a first bid rejected for Jones, but are expected to go back with another offer.
Martial Godo (Loan)
Martial Godo possesses exceptional technical ability. His close ball control allows him to dribble past defenders in tight spaces, often displaying quick feet and intricate touches. His ability to retain possession in challenging situations makes him a standout player in one-on-one duels. Godo is known for his dribbling skills, using quick changes of direction and balance to beat opponents. He has a flair for creativity, often attempting daring dribbles or combining with teammates in attacking areas to create space or goal-scoring opportunities. In addition to his dribbling, Martial Godo is also a capable playmaker. His vision and awareness allow him to make intelligent passes that unlock defenses, whether through clever through balls or smart crosses. He has the ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Godo’s speed and agility are key components of his game. He is quick in transition and can accelerate rapidly, often using his pace to break past defenders. His agility allows him to change direction swiftly, making him difficult to track. The 21 year-old showed his level at Wigan last season, and I'm sure he can comfortably make the step up.
Hector Kyprianou (£1.5M)
Cardiff have also been linked with Peterborough midfielder Hector Kyprianou. Kyprianou is a player who excels in dictating play from the middle of the park. He is composed under pressure and can handle the ball with confidence in tight situations. His passing range is one of his standout qualities. Whether it’s short, sharp passes to retain possession or long, incisive balls to switch play or launch counter-attacks, he has the ability to pick out teammates effectively and intelligently. As a central midfielder, Hector Kyprianou is skilled at retaining possession in midfield. He can protect the ball well, using his body to shield it from opponents, and has excellent dribbling ability in tight spaces. His distribution is key to his role, often starting attacks by quickly transitioning from defence to attack or recycling possession to maintain team shape. Kyprianou is tactically astute, always aware of his positioning on the pitch. He knows when to press and when to drop deeper to help his team maintain structure. His ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions on when to move and where to position himself allows him to influence the game without needing to be overly aggressive. Hector Kyprianou often leads by example on the pitch. His professionalism and strong mentality ensure he’s a key figure in midfield, directing and motivating his teammates. His focus and commitment are vital aspects of his leadership qualities. With Cardiff needing a leader in the centre of the park and the Cypriot having six months left on his deal, City should really be pushing for this deal.
Lamare Bogarde (Loan)
Cardiff are looking for a body in midfield as well as right-back, so why not someone who can do both? Lamare Bogarde has superb technical ability, particularly when it comes to ball control and dribbling. He is comfortable with both feet and can take on defenders with ease. His close ball control and tight touches in tight spaces allow him to glide past opponents and maintain possession under pressure. Bogarde’s movement off the ball is intelligent and strategic. He is constantly looking for pockets of space where he can receive the ball and make an impact. His off-the-ball runs create options for teammates, and his ability to find space between defenders often leads to goal-scoring opportunities. Bogarde’s work rate is also a key component of his game. He is to press the opposition and contribute defensively. His energy and pressing ability allow him to win the ball back in advanced positions and disrupt the opposition's play.
What does this look like?
GK:
Jak Alnwick, Ethan Horvath, Ewan Griffiths.
DF:
Dimitrios Goutas, Will Fish, Jesper Daland, Dylan Lawlor, Callum O'Dowda, Joel Bagan, Perry Ng, Andy Rinomhota, Lamare Bogarde.
MF:
Manolis Siopis, Joe Ralls, Alex Robertson, David Turnbull, Aaron Ramsey, Calum Chambers, Rubin Colwill, Hector Kyprianou.
FW:
Callum Robinson, Isaak Davies, Chris Willock, Anwar El Ghazi, Cian Ashford, Ollie Tanner, Roko Simic, Martial Godo, Ricky-Jade Jones.
Summary:
With Cardiff looking to offload some older players, loan out some younger players and bring in some fresh faces, I feel like this would be an incredibly successful window.
This window would tick most of Cardiff's short term problems, and would hopefully guide the team to safety in the second half of the season.
Thank you for reading!
*FYI - This is not what I expect to happen this window, this is simply my opinion.
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