Palmer’s Cardiff switch appears to be in danger
CARDIFF have held talks with Bristol City playmaker Kasey Palmer over a move to south Wales – but there are fears that the deal could collapse, which will likely impact the Robins transfer activity this summer.
It is understood that discussions between Palmer and the Bluebirds took place last weekend, and there was confidence from all three parties involved – both clubs and the player – that a permanent deal would be struck this week, ending the 25-yearold’s three-spell at Ashton Gate, but negotiations are now at an impasse.
At present, Cardiff are believed to be the only Championship club currently willing to offer Palmer a way out of Bristol, and with that route potentially closed, he will be expected to report for pre-season next month and then see out the final year of his contract.
Birmingham and Queens Park Rangers have been monitoring the situation, but managerial uncertainty at both clubs – the latter are yet to appoint a replacement for Mark Warburton, and Lee Bowyer’s job at St Andrew’s is far from secure – has complicated the situation.
Cardiff have been the most active Championship club in the early days of the market, securing a quartet of permanent signings – Jan Alnwick, Ollie Tanner, Jamilu Collins and Forest Green favourite Ebou Adams – before the window has officially opened for business.
Bluebirds manager Steve Morrison has launched a full squad overhaul, with at least ten signings expected over the next three months, and Palmer was set to be among their recruits with the club having made a loan enquiry in January, although that was never a possibility due to both the player and City’s reluctance to allow him to leave on a permanent basis, something that was more likely to occur this summer.
Although City remain confident that a deal can be struck, optimism is not presently shared in Cardiff and the potential collapse of this latest attempt to sell Palmer could have far-reaching consequences for the Robins strategy in this window, given the savings that would be made in moving the midfielder on.
With teams across the second tier looking to significantly reduce their wage ceilings, getting the final year of Palmer’s salary off the books would make a saving in the region of £1.2 million or create space for two signings.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol last week, Robins boss Nigel Pearson highlighted the need to achieve greater wage parity throughout the squad, which can only be achieved by either moving high-earners on or by renegotiating their contracts.
Pearson had previously stated he had held meetings with four players informing them their future lay elsewhere with Palmer believed to be one of those individuals. He played only 204 minutes in the Championship last season.
He remains a deeply talented player but his playing style does not fit in with Pearson’s requirements.