Cardiff City in recent years have loved a freebie. More recently it's been forced upon Cardiff, City have found some gems such as Dimitrios Goutas and Manolis Siopis. So here are ten players with expiring contracts Cardiff should be eyeing up.
Chris Willock - QPR (26)
Willock has been showing his quality in the Championship for the last five seasons. A player that comes in and out of form, there's no denying when Willock is on form he's one of the top wingers in the Championship. Willock is good on the ball and is a good passer of the ball. Willock completes a good number of dribbles per game, showing his direct style in the final third. The 26 year-old also offers good defensive numbers, showing his willingness to give 100% to the team. Coming into his prime years, he could be a bargain for Cardiff.
Josh Knight - Peterborough United (26)
Perhaps overshadowed by his highly rated defensive partner Ronnie Edwards, Knight has been key for Posh this season as they continue to push for promotion back to the Championship. The 26 year-old excels on the ball and has a great passing range. Knight is also a huge threat from set pieces with five goals this campaign. The disciplined centre-back is strong in his duels. Already got two seasons of Championship football under his belt as well, Knight would be a solid addition this summer.
Dimitrios Pelkas - Istanbul Basaksehir (30)
Purely an option if Erol Bulut stays. 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. Pelkas is good on the ball and likes to get at defenders. The 30 year-old also offers contributions defensively. Pelkas can play as a winger and also centrally behind the striker. If Bulut stays, I could see this deal being discussed.
Valentin Eysseric - Fatih Karagumruk (32)
Eysseric was an option Cardiff considered last summer. The 32 year-old has since gone on to have a good season in Turkey. The French midfielder has contributed five goals and six assists. Eysseric has been deployed as an eight and ten for Fatih Karagumruk, and is another that's only really an option if Erol Bulut stays. The experienced midfielder excels at key passes and set pieces. Eysseric could be that thing little bit different Cardiff need in midfield at the moment, and would be a good signing on a one or two year deal.
Nathaniel Chalobah - West Brom (29)
A Championship proven midfielder, who also has experience with promotion winning sides. Chalobah is a disrupter in midfielder and specialises in Duels, Interceptions and Blocks. The 29 year-old has taken up the role of being brought on late on in games to see things out for The Baggies this season. I believe there's still a good two or three seasons left in Chalobah to start regualarly, and would be a good addition to have in the dressing room.
Ian Poveda - Leeds United (24)
Stats don't fairly represent Poveda's quality. Poveda created on average two chances per game and completes three successful dribbles. The Colombian international has been told he's free to leave Leeds in the summer, and therefore will be available for free in the summer. Poveda is a direct winger with fine footwork, and gets in great areas for his team. The winger also works hard off the ball, as he tops Sheffield Wednesday's list of players that have won Possession in the Final Third. On a free, I see no harm in getting this deal done.
Axel Tuanzebe - Ipswich Town (26)
Cardiff reportedly eyed a deal for Tuanzebe in January. The 26 year-old now finds himself out of favour and could possibly end up as a free agent, yet again. Tuanzebe offers versatility as he can play centre-back and right-back equally as strong. The defender is comfortable on the ball and is a threat at set pieces. The Manchester United youth product has played at a high level, and could be a good addition for The Bluebirds.
Femi Azeez - Reading (22)
Azeez has come into his own at The Royals this season, contributing seven goals and seven assists. There's never been doubt the winger has talent, however this season Azeez is turning that into something. The 22 year-old excels in key passes and likes to cut in on his preferred left foot from the right. Azeez is a direct winger that is only getting better. The winger also contributes defensively. Would be an exciting signing, I feel.
Victor Camarasa - Real Oviedo (29)
Since departing Cardiff, Camarasa has struggled on and off the field, so maybe a place he's loved could be the answer for Camarasa, or that might be wishful thinking. The 29 year-old oozes quality and is silky on the ball. Camarasa is a threat taking set pieces with a great crossing ability. Since leaving Cardiff, Camarasa has been credited for improving the defensive side of his game. The talented Spaniard now finds himself in the Second Division of Spain with Play-Off pushing Real Oviedo. Come home, king.
Kemar Roofe - Rangers (31)
Another experienced Championship option to close the list. For whatever reason, after two good seasons, Roofe has struggled for minutes this year. He could be a good option for The Bluebirds to get a forward in that has a decent track record at this level, and a more experienced head. The 31 year-old doesn't offer a great deal outside of scoring goals, but Cardiff are just in need of a forward that does nothing but score, so Roofe could be a short term fix for that.
Summary:
Some real good options in the list, that Cardiff really should be considering. A mix of Championship proven players, experienced Super Lig players and some League One talents. The players of higher calibre come from the Super Lig, once again proving why keeping Erol Bulut is so vital.