THE ROKO DILEMMA

We exclusively revealed last week that upon his return from loan, Roko Simic has been forced to train with the U21's, yet another twist in what has been nothing short of a whirlwind ride in the Welsh Capital for Simic.

This news was met with the expected reaction with fans largely questioning just why isn't the 22 year-old being afforded the chance that others have? A chance that has been seemingly not afforded for some time.

Roko Simic warming up.

Simic's Cardiff City career so far:

Roko Simic completed a permanent move from RB Salzburg in the summer of €2.5M on a four-year deal. The Croatian immediately joined City's sister club KV Kortrijk, but was recalled in January. Despite a serious of impressive performances with Cardiff's Academy side, Simic failed to make an appearance, despite a dozen of Matchday squad inclusions.

Simic joined German second tier side Karlsruher in the summer of 2025, and spent the full season in Germany. Upon his return to Cardiff, Simic is currently training with the U21's as The Bluebirds look to loan out the Croatian yet again.

The current dilemma:

The dilemma is simple. Cardiff reportedly want a striker, which will likely play as a rotational option to Yousef Salech. Roko Simic can do that. Both share many similarities, whilst also having differences which would make them two good options to have.

Salech and Simic are both tall, mobile centre-forwards who use their physicality, aerial ability, and movement to lead the line. They are strong penalty-box finishers, work hard when pressing, and are effective at attacking crosses and making runs behind the defence. Both are goal-focused strikers who rely more on positioning and movement than dribbling or creativity.

Simic offers a more natural option to Callum Robinson. The decision to continuously ignore the Croatian becomes a more intriguing situation the longer it goes on, why can't Simic be afforded the chance so many others have been given over the years?

Simic's dilemma:

Simic is left in a difficult position. Clearly the decision for the 22 year-old to not turn up to pre season last year has left a lasting scar for Brian Barry-Murphy. However, after the six months Simic had just been forced to endure, not many fans blamed the Croatian for pushing his move through last summer.

With another move being a potential option on the cards this summer, it begs to see how longer Simic can stay patient for. It's evident Simic is willing and very keen to perform in blue, but has he done all he can do to earn a spot? Or will he be forced to repeat what he did with the Academy just eighteen months ago all over again?

Simic's dilemma is effected by a loan spell which saw the striker net three goals in the 2. Bundesliga last season.

Can Simic fit in to what Cardiff need?

I believe so. It's also an option which could save Cardiff millions of pounds. Not only the fee spent on Simic, but the fee that would be spent on a new striker.

Roko Simic would suit Brian Barry-Murphy's style with his mobility, pressing, and ability to stretch defences. His aerial presence and movement in the box would give Cardiff a reliable focal point, while his work rate off the ball fits a high-pressing system.

At just 22, there is also so much room to grow and develop Simic, which is something BBM has done with so many of the current City crop. So why can't Simic be the next on the long line of BBM's successes?

Summary - What is the answer to 'the Roko dilemma'?

I think it would be to give Simic a chance. That is exactly what pre season is for at the end of the day. The striker has shown a willingness to earn him a chance in a few of these pre season games, and has some sort of a track record recorded across Europe.

It's a ever-evolving dilemma which I'm sure has more twists in it.

Instagram

Twitter