The January transfer window has come to a close once again and many Cardiff City fans would describe it as ‘interesting’ to say the least. Despite three new exciting loan additions to the squad in key areas and two players being recalled from loan spells, none of these five additions can hide the fact that Cardiff have arguably lost their best goal scorer in years, for pennies.
Fans were left puzzled on Monday as it became increasingly likely that last season’s star man Kieffer Moore would be leaving the club, to join promotion chasing Bournemouth. The Cherries unveiled the Welsh striker just three hours before the close of the window and with the transfer fee being ‘undisclosed’, many were sceptical of how much Cardiff let him go for.
Anyone for 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗲? 😉 pic.twitter.com/OXHZi2xeKY
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 31, 2022
Although the loan additions of youngsters Cody Drameh, Alfie Doughty and Tommy Doyle highlight Steve Morison’s faith in younger players and the loan signings of experienced strikers Jordan Hugill and Uche Ikpeazu shows a willingness to bolster areas of the squad that are lacking, out of the current 24-man squad, 12 will be out of contract this summer.
This does not bode well for Cardiff, with owner Vincent Tan reportedly losing his billionaire status, according to Forbes, due to the struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic. The likelihood is that the transfer fee agreed for Kieffer Moore will not be invested back into the squad but more likely be utilised in other areas of Tan’s businesses, which would explain why the Welsh international was allowed to leave for a low (reported) price.
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Welcome to #CardiffCity, @JordanHugill! 💙#CityAsOne
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 30, 2022
Looking ahead to this Summer’s transfer window
WalesOnline have taken an in depth look at the players who will be out of contract this summer and speculated what could happen in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Alex Smithies – So far this season the 31 year old has proved more reliable than fellow keeper Dillon Phillips, but as the highest earner on the wage bill, Vincent Tan may advise whoever is in charge in the summer to give Phillips the number one spot and cash in on Smithies, who many clubs would gladly take on board.
Sean Morrison – Having been at the club for eight years now, Morrison has seen all the highs and lows that come with football and is one of the best captains Cardiff have had for a while. Although his leadership qualities are without fault, many would argue his performances are starting to trail off. Being in the top four earners, the club may want to look to the younger players going forward, rather than extend the defender’s contract.
Aden Flint – Flint has had a rocky time with Cardiff. Inconsistency in performances led to a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday, which seemed to revitalise his career, along with some South Wales derby heroics. Now the centre back can’t seem to make his way into the squad and at 32, similarly to Morrison, the club may look for a younger replacement with a lower weekly wage.
Will Vaulks – After signing for the club from Rotherham in form and full of confidence, many thought the Welsh midfielder would become a mainstay alongside Joe Ralls in the heart of the city midfield. Whilst he has enjoyed some good moments of form and some wonderful goals, he hasn’t been able to get a foothold in the current setup. Cardiff would do well to keep him as at 28, he still has time to prove his ability at this level.
Joe Ralls – Now the divisions most loyal player, having been with the club since 2011, Ralls has often been the engine room at the heart of the Cardiff midfield. The first name on the team sheet, Ralls has proved his worth countless times and at only 28, Cardiff should do all they can to keep hold of him for his experience and tenacity in the middle of the park.
.@Joe_Ralls is officially the Championship’s most loyal player.
He leads the way for the longest current spell at any club, with 10 years, 6 months and 27 days. He signed for Cardiff in the summer of 2011.
Bluebird forever and always 💙 pic.twitter.com/jCdAQnj5RU
— Three Little Birds (@ThreeBluebirds_) January 27, 2022
Marlon Pack – Turning out over 100 times for Cardiff, Pack seems to divide opinions amongst supporters. Some believe that he adds composure and stability to the midfield, whilst others would argue that he doesn’t create enough and is a liability when it comes to discipline.
Issac Vassell – Unfortunately for Vassell injuries stopped his Cardiff career before it got started. The 28 year old has only made three appearances for the club scoring one goal on his debut. Vassell hasn’t had the chance to prove his worth to the Bluebirds, but being the 9th highest earner at the club may leave him without a club come the summer.
Whether the Bluebirds are preparing for Championship or League one football next season is yet to be seen, but if they do avoid the drop, their dealings in the summer transfer window will be vital to ensure a more successful season than this year’s campaign.
