The key calls for Harris as Cardiff start to prepare for the future
CARDIFF City boss Neil Harris has been keeping busy during lockdown running the rule over prospective transfer targets.
“It becomes about recruitment thinking about the squad, thinking about out-of-contract players,” he told the BBC.
“What are the financial implications going to be on football and our club in particular?
“Are we going to be able to bring anybody in? There is a lot of talk about recruitment at the moment.”
As ever, incomings will be dependant on outgoings, with Cardiff chief Mehmet Dalman admitting that finances across the division are going to be tight as a result of football’s current paralysis.
With that in mind we’ve assessed the state of the Bluebirds squad and asked the question: who stays and who goes?
GOALKEEPERS
One of Harris’ three first-team keepers will have to leave this summer. Alex Smithies is the current number one, usurping Neil Etheridge at the start of the last campaign, and he hasn’t looked back since. Etheridge was linked with West Ham and Aston Villa over the past two windows, and he is the most sellable out of the three stoppers, with Joe Day coming back from his AFC Wimbledon loan stint.
Verdict: Keep Smithies, keep Day as back-up, sell Etheridge
DEFENCE
Dion Sanderson
The Wolves right-back has done well since his loan switch from Molineux and his experience at Cardiff City Stadium will stand him in good stead going forward. Would be mutually beneficial if his deal could be extended next term, with minutes more likely in South Wales than in the Midlands. Worth a phone call to explore, but it could be tricky with competition expected.
Verdict: Keep (if they can)
Joe Bennett
Mr Dependable at left-back, Bennett is a player who needs to be retained by Harris next term. Has been a tremendous servant over the past five years.
Verdict: Keep
Sean Morrison
The skipper leads by example on the pitch and provides experience too. Lacks pace, but leadership skills unquestionable.
Verdict: Keep
Aden Flint
Brought in for big money last summer, Flint hasn’t quite lived up to the billing. If they could recoup some of the fee that they paid Middlesbrough for him, and with the Bluebirds having numbers at centre-back, he could potentially be moved on. Has done pretty well under Harris, in fairness.
Verdict: Jury out
Curtis Nelson
One of the breakthrough players of the Harris era. Has done well since his summer switch from Oxford United and looks to be a mainstay next term. Strong and quick and is well suited to the rough and tumble of the division. Verdict: Keep
Greg Cunningham
Something of an unknown quantity to Harris, with injury keeping him sidelined while he was on loan at Blackburn. He’ll have a point to prove. Verdict: Keep - but will have to impress when he returns to fitness
Jazz Richards
Out of contract at Cardiff City Stadium at the end of the season and is likely to be released.
Verdict: Set to leave
Sol Bamba
The fans’ favourite played a watching brief for most of the season after his recovery from serious injury took longer than planned. Has a year left on his deal, with a coaching role lined up afterwards.
Verdict: Keep
Brad Smith
On loan from Bournemouth and more than likely to return there.
Verdict: Back with the Cherries
Ciaron Brown
Set to return to the Welsh capital after spending a spell north of the border with Scottish Premiership Livingston. Harris has talked up Brown for next season, so expect him to stick around.
Verdict: Keep
MIDFIELD and WINGERS
Will Vaulks
One of Harris’ crucial players. Industrious, a goal threat and with a potent long throw, he is developing into a firm favourite in South Wales. Verdict: Keep
Leandro Bacuna
A utility man who does the dirty work, his early-season form divided opinion but has since been a key cog in the Bluebirds’ engine room.
Verdict: Keep
Joe Ralls
A player who Harris was desperate to get back playing, with Ralls on the sidelines when the new manager arrived. Labelled him a “superstar” – now must live up to that billing. Verdict: Keep
Josh Murphy
Was subject of interest from Celtic in January, and with options available on the flanks, Harris could be tempted to cash in should the Scottish giants come calling again. Most certainly one of the Bluebirds’ more sellable assets.
Verdict: Sell
Lee Tomlin
Harris should continue to build his team around the mercurial number 10. An absolute must-keep player. Verdict: Have to keep
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing Campaign was cruelly ended by injury – although he could be back to play a part should games return this season. Bad luck has blighted him, but on his day his powerful running can terrorise full-backs.
Verdict: Keep
Gavin Whyte
In need of minutes for his own development and perhaps needs to toughen up to the physicality of the Championship. Has plenty of time on his side, though. A loan deal elsewhere could work.
Verdict: Keep, perhaps loan him out
Junior Hoilett
Has enough class to be given another