RELEASE OR RENEW? CARDIFF CITY'S 12 OUT OF CONTRACT PLAYERS

Cardiff City head into the summer in a precarious position with twelve first team players out of contract. This means decisions should begin to be made in regard to players futures. I will be discussing those I would like to see renewed, those I still feel I need to see more, and those who I feel should depart at the end of the season.

Jak Alnwick (31)

Cardiff City goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.

Renew - Given Alnwick's form this season I would definitely be triggering the City keeper's extra year in his current contract. As someone who believes Cardiff's goalkeeping ranks are competitive and at a decent level, I'd be looking to keep Alnwick around for another year. It then gives you a chance to reassess in the summer of 2026, where Horvath and Alnwick would both be out of contract.

Dimitrios Goutas (30)

Dimitrios Goutas in action.

Renew - If you'd asked me a few months ago it would've been a different answer, but since Goutas has been reintroduced under Omer Riza he has been sensational. I'd offer a Dimi another year, with the plan then filtering him to a more squad player role during next season, and allowing younger options Daland and Fish become more prominent figures, as Goutas will be 32 come the end of next season.

Jamilu Collins (30)

Jamilu Collins pre-match.

Release - Given the plethora of talented young left-backs at the club, it's probably best for JC to make way this summer. Personally a fan of Collins, but given the younger players in his position, and the fact Collins hasn't seen much game time this season, it could be best this summer for both parties to part ways.

Callum O'Dowda (29)

Callum O'Dowda in action.

Renew - My player of the season so far, it's a no brainer to renew O'Dowda's deal, on one condition, he stays fit. There's never been any cause of concern in terms of COD's performances, it's simply his availability, or lack of. After a torturous 23/24 campaign, it would be a huge milestone if O'Dowda could surpass 30 games this year, and if he can do that then I would love to see him awarded with a new deal. A player that understands the club and fans and true captain material.

Joe Ralls (31)

Cardiff City captain Joe Ralls.

TBD - I must stress this is not aimed as any disrespect. Joe Ralls has been an excellent servant to the football club. I would like to see more of Ralls in this system before making my final decision. For the first time in a long long time, I question where Ralls fits into this team and system. However, I understand the value Rallsy adds off the pitch and the leadership qualities he shows, which leans in favour keeping him. Let's wait and see what these next few months offer.

Andy Rinomhota (27)

Andy Rinomhota in action.

Release - This is more for the beneficiary of the player. At 27, Rinomhota is good enough to be starting week in week out at this level, and really should be doing so. If I was being selfish, I would keep him, however at this stage in his career Rinomhota needs to be playing, and therefore I think he should depart this summer.

Aaron Ramsey (33)

Aaron Ramsey applauding the supporters.

TBD - I want to see Rambo in this system before making any final judgement. I don't think it's too unrealistic that Ramsey calls a day on his career at the end of the season, and if that was the case then I'd like to see him stay on as a coach, to eventually become manager. In terms of this season, Ramsey simply needs to hit the ground running when he returns.

Yakou Meite (28)

Yakou Meite gesturing to supporters.

Release - Again this is more for the player. I like Meite, his tenacity and sheer power is a handful for defenders. However, especially given recent antics it's clear Meite will probably never win a good chunk of the Cardiff fans back over, and at 28, once again he needs to be playing regular football.

Anwar El Ghazi (29)

Anwar El Ghazi in action.

TBD - El Ghazi has undeniable quality that we are seeing in flashes at the moment. They need to become more consistent and with better end product. The 29 year-old is a handful with his good off the ball runs, but I would just like to see a little bit more on it. I remain undecided, just as I'd like to see a little bit more end product between now and the end of the season.

Kion Etete (23)

Kion Etete in action.

TBD - Etete simply cannot afford to return and not hit the ground running. City's number nine has shown glimpses in a Cardiff shirt, however is reaching an age where those flashes need to turn into consistent strong performances every week. A huge few months ahead.

Isaak Davies (23)

Isaak Davies warming up.

Renew - I see Davies' Cardiff career fairly different to others. The jury is still out for me, Davies needs to come back with a bang and live up to the rave reviews from those who think he can change City's season. I've chose to renew Davies' deal as I see him as an asset, given the European interest in the summer, even if the manager doesn't wish to use Davies, he could be sold for a fee in the summer.

Callum Robinson (29)

Callum Robinson celebrating.

Renew - Robbo has become a different player this season and has shown his importance. Every successful Championship side has that player that no matter what chips in with six or seven goals a season, and that's what Robinson is for Cardiff. I feel City's priority should be to bring in a proper striker, to relieve pressure on Robbo, and possible allow the 29 year-old to play other roles across the front line, such as the ten or out wide.

Conclusion - Big decisions await!

There are some big decisions to be made in the next months. Cardiff head into an interesting summer where a squad rebuild isn't out of the questions given the amount of aging players out of contract.

However, it's a situation that can't afford to drag as it did last time Cardiff were in this position. City need to begin tying players down as soon as possible.

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