Bluebirds have a few tough calls to make in January
THE January transfer window is just around the corner and Cardiff City’s attention may well be focused on trying to supplement Steve Morison’s squad ahead of the second half of the season.
There could well be outgoings too, but City will largely be hoping that they can emerge from the winter window in a better position than before.
Much of the focus will be on ensuring Cardiff remain clear of relegation trouble, while at the same time bedding in a core of talented young players who will hopefully lay down a strong foundation for next season.
But, while the rest of the season remains the more immediate concern, there will already be concerns over the next transfer window in the summer.
A hefty chunk of first-team players are within the final years of their respective contracts ahead of the end of the season, and there are clearly some big calls to be made.
Some will inevitably move on, others will surely be the subject of real efforts to stay.
Here’s a quick rundown on all of them, and what might happen next.
Joe Ralls
The midfielder has been a tremendous servant to Cardiff over the years, and has shown signs that he’s more than capable of flourishing under Morison’s leadership.
Ralls is the sort of player who when playing well can elevate those around him. He’s also the one man that can really seize control and dictate a midfield in possession.
At 28, he could yet be approaching his best years, which in the eyes of many makes him an indispensable member of the squad, but with that comes the likelihood of a pricey new deal.
Cardiff’s midfield definitely needs shaking up, one way or the other. Verdict: Ralls divides opinion, but his backers would deem it money well spent to keep him. They’d regard losing him for nothing as a blow.
Josh Murphy
With the exception of Lee Tomlin, few Cardiff players have proved as enigmatic as Murphy in recent years.
Since he arrived, many have been convinced that there is a real talent in there somewhere, but for one reason or another it hasn’t quite worked out.
The last two seasons have seen flashes of the 26-year-old’s capabilities, but he has nevertheless remained in and out of the team. Similar struggles under Mick McCarthy at the start of this season saw him shipped out on loan to Preston, but injury has so far tempered any hopes of impressing. Verdict: Many fans will be happy to see the back of the inconsistent wing flier, but he may well be the sort of player who has something to offer in Morison’s system. A welcome injection of pace and flair, particularly with Ryan Giles set to head back to Wolves. Don’t be surprised if Cardiff make an attempt to keep him on board.
Ciaron Brown
Brown’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time.
McCarthy was keen on keeping the defender on board, but a new deal was rebuffed earlier this season, amid links with Middlesbrough and Celtic, while it’s understood there has previously been interest from Belgium too.
He has struggled for game time under Morison, although he has been included in matchday squads, so is clearly still in his mind.
Verdict: With more senior options ahead of him in the pecking order and the list of contract priorities, there’s every chance he will be moved on.
Alex Smithies
Cardiff’s first-choice goalkeeper, one of the best in the division who surely still has a few more years left in him.
The issue is he is reported to be the Bluebirds’ biggest earner and the club may seek to trim the wage bill further in the summer.
There is the dilemma in a nutshell as there would be no shortage of suitors for a keeper of Smithies’ quality. Verdict: Keeping him is a no-brainer football wise, it’s down to the finance. Could go either way.
Sean Morrison
On the face of it, the club captain ought to be a shoo-in for a new deal given his years of service to the club.
However, he is by no means the first name on the team-sheet nowadays – his scoring run-out against Luton came on the back of three consecutive games on the bench.
The skipper has come in for criticism this season, and has been guilty of some rather patchy form.
A few onlookers will perhaps feel the time would be right for him to move on, particularly given that he is still one of the club’s higher earners.
But Mozza is clearly a big character in this squad, and there will be plenty of enthusiasm for keeping him in the blue shirt.
Verdict: With Smithies, Ralls and Kieffer Moore he could form a formidable spine to the team next season, if the skipper can return to top form.
Aden Flint
Has been a mainstay in the starting XI this season, and has proven to be a big presence at either end of the pitch. Then again, he will be 33 by the start of next season, and would perhaps have to consider lower terms than his current deal.
He’s arguably been one of Cardiff’s brighter performers this season, and there is certainly a case to be made for keeping him on board, but the club may see this as a chance to rebuild their defensive options over the summer.
Verdict: It might well be a case of either or, Morrison or Flint. If so, as the younger man, Morrison appears the more obvious one to keep.
Marlon Pack
Yet another seasoned professional out of contract in the summer.
Has missed just one Championship game this season due to suspension.
The midfielder is clearly a highlyvalued figure within the club, and he will feel he’s in a good position to earn a new deal.
However, those who argue against keeping him feel a midfield revamp is sorely needed if Cardiff are to compete nearer the top of the Championship next season.
Verdict: He would certainly still have something to offer. But at the same time, a departure is unlikely to trigger riots in the Welsh capital.
Isaac Vassell
I take no pleasure in saying it, but the striker’s time in the capital has clearly been a total disaster.
The striker’s Cardiff career has been wrecked by injuries, and it would be a surprise to see him pull on a blue shirt again.
Verdict: Needs a fresh start.
Will Vaulks
Tricky one. It wasn’t that long ago that many were left fuming at the midfielder’s omission from Euro 2020 contention, such was his form for the Bluebirds.
Now he’s back in the Wales frame, his form has dipped.
At his best, he’s a very useful player at this level, but one can’t help but feel his Cardiff future could go either way.
Verdict: Again, it hinges on how much Cardiff’s manager next season, whoever that may be, wishes to revamp the midfield.