WHAT TO EXPECT AHEAD OF THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW?

With the January Transfer Window fast approaching, I will be covering what to expect from The Bluebirds as they look to add to a small squad in the Transfer Window.

Cardiff City Stadium.

What to expect?

It's been made clear since September that The Bluebirds will add in January. Erol Bulut has hinted that he's keen on up to six new recruits, as he looks to add depth to the small squad he's currently having to work with.

Bulut has hinted that Cardiff will have their eyes in both the German and Turkish market, as Bulut looks to use his good contacts in thos areas to lure good talents to play in the Championship.

The Bluebirds boss is keen to add "more quality players" to his side following his good start at Cardiff. It's known that Bulut is keen to add a centre-back, left-back, two midfielders, a winger and a striker in the winter Window.

Bulut has not shied away from the fact departures will happen. Bulut is expecting "two or three" to depart as those players seek minutes they aren't getting at Cardiff City currently.

Possible Targets:

Kieffer Moore - The main one who's been on the tip of everyone' tongue's in recent months. Erol Bulut has spoken many times publicily on how much he rates the Welsh forward. News outlet TEAMtalk have revealed The Bluebirds are confident that their attempt to re-sign Moore will be successful. Moore has just 85 Premier League minutes to his name, and, Bournemouth are keen to sell to free up wages for possible new signings.

Tasos Bakasetas - A name that just won't go away. Cardiff have been linked with the midfielder ever since Erol Bulut's arrival at Cardiff. What we do know is that the Greek midfielder has turned down two new contract offers from his current club Trabzonspor as he seeks to leave the club, a third round of talks is set to be held in the near future. Bulut revealed in a recent Fan Q&A that Cardiff are still in the race for the midfielder. Besiktas and AEK Athens are also thought to be in the race.

Possible Departures:

Andy Rinomhota - The obvious one and it's what is expected. Rinomhota has just 12 Championship minutes to his name. Despite making 39 Championship appearences last season, Rino has failed to breakthrough under Bulut. Cardiff turned down a Deadline Day move from Rotherham United in the summer, however, if an offer comes in January I don't think he'll be stopped from leaving this time.

Ebou Adams - Had more minutes than Rinomohta but has failed to make an impact as he's mostly come on as a cameo in the last few minutes to see out games. A six month loan move to get Adams back playing week-in-week-out could be hugely benificial. With a midfielder expected to join and the possible return of Eli King, I think it's a real possibility Adams departs.

Romaine Sawyers - I wouldn't be surprised to see Sawyers go but I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay. Sawyers is soon entering the last six months of his contract, so he may just choose to see that out and leave at the end of the season, however, if an offer comes in January I could see him departing.

Vontae Campbell - The forgotten man. Bulut told the 22 year-old he was free to leave in the summer, and despite mummers of interest from Burton, nothing concrete came through meaning Campbell stayed. In the meantime, Campbell has become a regular for Cardiff's U23's and hasn't had a sniff of first team action. If an offer comes in, I think he will depart.

Kieron Evans - Bulut has made it clear he feels the 22 year-old needs a loan spell. With the boyhood Bluebirds' contract expiring this summer, he needs a loan spell to prove he's worthy of a new deal.

Jonathan Panzo - I'd be surprised if Panzo is still a Cardiff player by the end of the window. For someone of his ability, he won't settle for sitting on the bench every week, therefore I could see him returning to Nottingham Forest, however, I hope I'm wrong.

Players with six months left on their deals:

Cardiff City have a handful of player entering the last six months of their contracts - Clubs may see this as an opportunity to try and swoop in for these players for a cheaper price.

Joe Ralls - Ralls has been a hugely important figure this season under Bulut. His set piece delivery is second to none and it's led to him being in the top ten for highest assists in the division. Altough a departure is unlikey, clubs could eye him up due to the fact he's consistenlty performed in the Championship for years. Bulut has confirmed the club have opened talks with Ralls over a new deal.

Jamilu Collins - Another one who's been important this year. Due to the lack of depth at left-back, Collins has been forced to play almost every minute he's been fit for. After a very good start, he's gone off the boil slightly which is to be expected due tot the high volume of minutes he's playing. Bulut has confirmed a new deal with Collins and the club is currently being worked out.

Kieron Evans - A huge six months awaits for Evans. He will be playing to earn himself a contract and prove his worth. Bulut voiced how impressed he was in pre season showing there's place for Evans in this current squad, however, thid loan is January is vital if he wishes to be a Bluebird next season.

Romaine Sawyers - Personally, I expect him to see out his current deal. That's based off the fact it's unlikely he'll get the type of wage he earns at Cardiff again in his career. A good servant for the club, and a good squad option, Wouldn't be surprised if he left if an offer did come in.

Sheyi Ojo - Already out on loan, I think we've seen the last of Sheyi Ojo in a City shirt and he will depart in the summer.

Oliver Denham - I think a recall is possible, however, if not I imagine he will depart after an underwhelming spell in Scotland.

Possible Loans To Return?

Eli King - I would be in favour of seeing Eli King return and being used as a squad option for the rest of the season. The 20 year-old has proved he's a level above League Two and he holds the technical ability to be apart of this squad.

Isaak Davies - Another I would be in favour of seeing return, to battle with Karlan Grant for that left-wing position. Davies has impressed in Belgium, and despite being Kortrijk's top scorer, he's failing to become a regular starter.

Joel Bagan - The most obvious one. Bagan fixes our current issue at left-back and has impressed in Belgium. The young fullback has played a key role in helping Zulte Waregem reach the top of the 2. Division. Clearly in Bulut's plan as he signed a new three-year deal before departing. Can play that inverted wing-back role perfectly as shown in pre season.

Conclusion:

It's no secret Cardiff will be extremely busy in January as they look to close the gap between themselves and the play offs. For the first time since the summer of 2022, The Bluebirds are able to pay for players, which is game changing.

With a solid foundation with the current squad, Cardiff have something to build on, and this window will be key as Erol Bulut continues to impliment his identidy as Bluebirds boss. Bulut expects backing and I expect him to get it as he's a demanind character, I 100% back him to spend that money wisely and on players that will change this squad for the better.

With backing from the board, this window could be the start of something great with Bulut, let's just hope the board are fully behind him and back him as they say they will.

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