WHO STAYS AND WHO GOES?

As Cardiff City have been relegated to League One, the major question among fans is which players will stay and which players will leave this summer. Therefore, I will give my opinion on those I think will stay and go.

Cardiff City Stadium.

The Out of Contract players:

The following are out of contract at the end of the season: Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas, Joe Ralls, Aaron Ramsey, Kieron Evans, Andy Rinomhota, Jamilu Collins and Anwar El Ghazi.

Jamilu Collins pre-match.

Jamilu Collins has been absent since November, therefore he feels like a dead certain to leave the club this summer, as well as Anwar El Ghazi who has failed to live up to the hype when signed. Yakou Meite also feels a safe one to assume he will depart, Meite has voiced some discontent this season, with this suggesting a fresh start is probably best for the forward elsewhere. Following the departure of Manolis Siopis, it's fair to say Dimitrios Goutas has looked a shadow of himself, also suggesting he is headed for the exit. Whilst following a fourth loan spell in as many seasons for Kieron Evans, this may be the summer the club choose to cut ties with the 23 year-old.

Andy Rinomhota warming up.

Andy Rinomhota seems a no brainer for City to try and strike a deal with, and I could see the 28 year-old remaining. Rinomhota has returned to playing with a smile this season which has been a joy to watch. If Joe Ralls was offered a new deal I could see the City skipper renewing as he has in his last few deals, for another year or two.

A big question hangs over Aaron Ramsey, who has expressed his desire to continue playing, with it being thought the 34 year-old wants to feature at the European Championships next summer. Due to the midfielder's struggles since joining The Bluebirds, I'm not sure how many clubs are going to be chasing his signature if he were to depart, therefore I could see Rambo remaining, perhaps as a player/coach.

Players out on loan:

The following first team players are out on loan (minus Kieron Evans): Ryan Wintle, Eli King, Joel Colwill, Ryotaro Tsunoda, Kion Etete and Michael Reindorf.

Ryan Wintle pre-match.

Ryan Wintle, Eli King, Ryotaro Tsunoda and Kion Etete will all have a year left on their deals when they return in the summer, despite this I see City looking to retain all four, as they can certainly offer something in the third tier.

Joel Colwill will also come back into the fold, and remain whilst being utilised as a squad player if not a starter next season. If City can retain more experienced striker choices, I could see Michael Reindorf being loaned out again.

Players out of contract in 2026:

The following players are out of contract in 2026 (minus Wintle, King, Tsunoda and Etete): Perry Ng, Jak Alnwick, Joel Bagan, Isaak Davies and Matt Turner.

Perry Ng pre-match.

I could see City looking to cash-in on Perry Ng, and therefore I could see the right-back departing this summer. Cardiff could opt to do the same with Isaak Davies, however I see the Welshman remaining at The Bluebirds.

Jak Alnwick and Joel Bagan are solid options at League One level, therefore I see the pair remaining, as well as third choice keeper Matt Turner.

U23 Players in the First Team (Minus Davies, Bagan):

Current members of the First Team U23: Yousef Salech, Roko Simic, Alex Robertson, Will Fish, Rubin Colwill, Ollie Tanner and Cian Ashford.

Rubin Colwill pre-match.

Intelligently Cardiff City have all these players tied down to long-term deals, and therefore sides will have to pay premium prices. However, sides will be casting a key on a handful of these players.

I see Ollie Tanner, Will Fish and Cian Ashford as very likely to stay, and see all three being influential players in the third tier.

The Bluebirds will find it very difficult to hold onto Alex Robertson, and I see the midfielder departing. The only glimmer of the midfielder staying is if City were to slap a big asking price, that may put sides off.

I'm undecided on Roko Simic. The 21 year-old has had a difficult spell in the Welsh Capital, but the facts say he's contracted for the next three years. I think Simic would be more likely to go out on loan rather than permanently departing, if he were to go. I also remain undecided on Rubin Colwill, whether a club will come in and match what is bound to be an expensive price tag for Colwill, I don't know.

With Yousef Salech being the only Cardiff City player contracted as far away as 2029, I think (really really hope), the forward may give City a season in League One, but he's bound to have suitors far higher in the food chain, therefore I'm also undecided on the 23 year-old.

Players between 25-29:

Current players between 25-29 (minus Rinomhota, Wintle, Tsunoda): Jesper Daland, David Turnbull, Chris Willock, Ethan Horvath and Callum O'Dowda.

Chris Willock pre-match.

Jesper Daland is another one who is a long-term investment from the club, so I could see the Norwegian staying. As well as David Turnbull and Chris Willock who perhaps haven't lived up to expectation since moving to the Welsh Capital.

Ethan Horvath is an experienced and reliable Championship choice, so I could see the American departing to try and get back into the USA national team setup. As well, as Callum O'Dowda who had Championship interest in January.

Players in/over 30's:

Current players 30+ (minus Ralls, Ramsey): Calum Chambers and Callum Robinson.

Callum Robinson celebrating.

Both Callum Robinson and Calum Chambers will find moves in the Championship fairly easily, therefore I see both departing in the summer.

Lists in full:

Staying - Andy Rinomhota, Joe Ralls, Aaron Ramsey, Ryan Wintle, Eli King, Ryotaro Tsunoda, Kion Etete, Michael Reindorf, Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies, Jak Alnwick, Joel Bagan, Matt Turner, Ollie Tanner, Cian Ashford, Will Fish, Yousef Salech, David Turnbull, Jesper Daland, Chris Willock.

Departing - Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas, Anwar El Ghazi, Jamilu Collins, Kieron Evans, Perry Ng, Ethan Horvath, Callum O'Dowda, Callum Robinson, Alex Robertson, Calum Chambers.

Undecided - Roko Simic, Yousef Salech, Rubin Colwill.

Summary:

There's some I could probably be easily swayed on, and I'm sure there's a few that will stay that I think will leave, and players I think that will stay that will end up going. I think there's foundations there for a top six League One squad.

Instagram

Twitter