Squad’s will the
CARDIFF City have already had a busy start to their summer transfer window.
Nine new faces have come through the door, while Aden Flint, Ciaron Brown, Will Vaulks, Marlon Pack, Isaac Vassell, Josh Murphy, Leandro Bacuna and Alex Smithies have all departed.
Joe Ralls has put pen to paper on a new deal after much speculation this summer, while Sean Morrison is likely to remain around the club as he continues his rehabilitation from injury. Whether he gets a new deal on the back of that remains to be seen.
Cardiff would clearly like one or two more new players, having missed out on a sensational move for Gareth Bale earlier in the summer. Here’s where things stand on the players already in the building...
Dillon Phillips
The noises coming from goalkeeping coach Graham Stack suggest Phillips will be one of the options under consideration for the number one jersey this season. However, with two further arrivals, he faces a real fight to stay at the top of the pecking order. The right offer and he could well move on.
Ryan Allsop
Given his experience, the former Derby County keeper must have received some sort of assurances over gametime. Could well battle out Jak Alnwick for the number-one jersey.
Jak Alnwick
As above really. Surely hasn’t been brought in just to make the coffee.
Curtis Nelson
In the absence of Morrison and Flint, Nelson has suddenly become the most senior defensive option available.
Divides opinion on occasions but will likely be something of a regular.
Mark McGuinness
Has already shown he’s more than capable of standing up to the rigours of Championship football. Would surely be a regular fixture in Cardiff’s backline.
Jamilu Collins
There’s clearly a certain level of excitement around the left-back following his arrival from SC Paderborn on a free transfer this summer. A potential regular.
Joel Bagan
Would be a shame if he’s not given a chance to replicate some of the form we saw last season. But there’s no question his chances will be harder to come by this term with the arrival of Collins.
Mahlon Romeo
A player Morison knows well. Brings plenty of experience at right-back following his move from Millwall. Seems likely to be first choice next season, although there is certainly some healthy competition there.
Perry Ng
Can play either as a right-back or on the right side of a back three. Played the latter position with much distinction last season and that could well be the favoured role this term. Either way, he’ll be seen as an important first-team player.
Vontae-Daley Campbell
Provides added competition at rightback following his move from Leicester City. Will be keen to make his mark and will likely get a chance to impress at some point, but might have to be patient.
Ryan Wintle
One of Cardiff’s star performers last season after returning from Blackpool in January. Will surely be a key part of Morison’s plans this time around too.
Tom Sang
Started his career at right-back, but Morison clearly sees him more of a central midfielder. Either way the number of options in both positions means he may well have to look elsewhere for game-time.
Andy Rinomhota
Has arrived with a strong reputation at this level. Indeed, some have even tipped him for a future in the Premier League. Will surely be a big part of Morison’s plans.
Ebou Adams
As above in many ways. A player who’s been backed for big things following his move from Forest Green Rovers. Morison’s first summer signing after trailing him for months.
Joe Ralls
A key player and a leader in this squad. Unless there’s an injury or a
catastrophic loss of form, he will likely be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Rubin Colwill
Barring an offer that’s too good to refuse, this promises to be a big season for the Wales international in the capital.
Kieron Evans
One of several youngsters who impressed last season. Set for a loan away from the club with Torquay United.
Callum O’Dowda
Will be interesting to see where he fits in, with Morison likely to alter his formation from last season. Nevertheless, his experience at this level will be highly valued.
Ollie Tanner
Arrives from Lewes as a young player with potentially a very bright future. Morison may well be tempted to see how he handles the demands of Championship football at some point. But, technically, he has already impressed his peers in pre-season. Gavin Whyte
Doesn’t really seem to have a longterm future at the club. Could well be moved on.
Isaak Davies
Like Colwill, Davies is poised for a big season following some impressive showings last term. One of the club’s brightest young stars.
Mark Harris
Has been linked with a move away before, but nothing materialised. Clearly seen as a useful player, but the right offer might just see him on his way, particularly if Morison can strengthen his options up front. James Collins
Arguably lower in the pecking order than Harris right now. A fresh face up front would surely signal the end of his time in south Wales. It hasn’t worked out, and a fresh start might be seen as the best solution for everyone.
Max Watters
There are clearly some doubts over whether he has what it takes to succeed at this level. Might well be given another chance, but could be loaned out again.