City could profit from interest in free agents
CARDIFF City will no doubt be looking to bring in some fresh faces to help improve their respective seasons after a mixed start.
With the Bluebirds being just above the relegation zone, they will be looking at signings to bolster their respective ranks.
With January around the corner, plans are no doubt already in place. They will be on a budget, and with that in mind, here is a list of realistic potential targets who could look to sign in January for a cut-price due to their contracts coming to an end next summer.
JAMES CHESTER
The Welsh international could be a player who could improve Cardiff’s defensive stability. Currently Cardiff have the second-worst defensive record in the league.
Chester, 32, would bring not only a wealth of experience in the Championship but also from his Premier League days.
The centre-back is currently playing for Stoke City and has started seven games in the league this season.
Whether Stoke are planning on renewing Chester’s contact remains to be seen, but the Bluebirds could investigate this to try to improve their defensive problems.
JOSH KOROMA
Koroma, 23, hasn’t been in the best form recently at Huddersfield Town. After scoring eight goals in 20 games last season in the league, this term he has scored just two.
The Englishman is predominantly a striker but can also play on either wing. This would suit both clubs as they both look to bolster their attacks.
Koroma has climbed his way up the English footballing pyramid, playing in every league from the National League to now in the second tier.
ROMAL PALMER
Having left Manchester City’s Under18s, Romal Palmer was soon brought to Oakwell and has rapidly progressed at Barnsley since then.
Palmer, 23, is a centre midfielder who has worked his way through the Tykes’ academy and has now made himself a regular starter.
The midfielder has played 15 league games this term and has been a shining light for a side who are currently sat in the relegation zone after having high expectations for this season.
Bringing in Palmer could be a route Cardiff go down as Barnsley are in no position to set an expensive price tag being 23rd in the league.
LUKE FREEMAN
Freeman, 29, is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Sheffield United.
When Sheffield United were promoted to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, their first purchase of the summer was Freeman from QPR for £5million.
The midfielder scored eight goals and provided six assists in his last campaign at Loftus Road, but things haven’t quite worked out for Freeman with the Blades.
At present it doesn’t look likely that Freeman will get offered a contract extension, as he hasn’t featured much.
CHARLY MUSONDA
Chelsea winger Charly Musonda, 25, has already appeared to have confirmed his departure from the club at the end of the season on Instagram. The Belgian has not played a match of competitive football for two seasons as he has been recovering from injury.
Musonda is a pacey winger who Cardiff could look to acquire in January for a low price.
The winger has played for some big clubs, including Celtic and Real Betis.
LEWIS BAKER
The Chelsea midfielder has been at the club for 16 years but has failed to force his way into the first team.
The future for Baker, 26, as things stand is set to be a season in the under-23s waiting for his Blues contract to run out next summer and leaving on a free transfer.
The Englishman hasn’t made an appearance for the European champions this season despite being named in their Champions League squad.
Baker is a player who could improve Cardiff as they look to bolster their central midfielder options. Other (selected) out-of-contract players: Nick Powell – Stoke City; Andy Yiadom – Reading; Sirki Dembele – Peterborough United; Callum O’Dowda - Bristol City; Tom Lockyer – Luton Town; Alfie Mawson – Fulham; Sam Vokes – Wycombe Wanderers; Saido Berahino – Sheffield Wednesday; Keshi Anderson – Blackpool; Jeremie Bela – Birmingham City; Darragh Lenihan – Blackburn Rovers; Danny Batth – Stoke City; Josh Laurent – Reading; David McGoldrick - Sheffield United; George Honeyman - Hull City.