Football Season Guide

Cardiff City

In


Aaron Ramsey (mid) Nice; Karlan Grant (att) West Brom – on loan; Yakou Meite (att) Reading; Ike Ugbo (att) Troyes – on loan; Dimitrios Goutas (def) Sivasspor

Out


Cedric Kipre (r) (def) West Brom – end of loan; Jaden Philogene-Bidace (r) (mid) Aston Villa – end of loan; Sory Kaba (k) (att) FC Midtjylland - end of loan; Mark Harris (sp) (att) Oxford Utd; Oliver Denham (sp) (def) Dundee Utd; Connor Wickham (sp) (att) released; Max Watters (att) Barnsley

Cardiff endured a miserable season in 2022/23 with issues both on and off the pitch but they managed to avoid relegation just, finishing 21st. The last few campaigns have been awful for the Bluebirds but there is optimism around the team for this season. After a few campaigns of disinterest the ownership seems now more committed, they have an ambitious manager and have made some statement signings. Their new boss is Erol Bulut, who has no experience of the British game but has done well in the Turkish league. He has the drive, ambition and no-nonsense approach which could be exactly what this club needs. The marquee summer signing is Aaron Ramsey, the former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder returning to his hometown club. Also coming in, striker Grant and winger Meite have Championship pedigree. More signings are expected. Going out of the door the three best players from last season have departed, with Kipre, Philogene-Bidace and Kaba returning to their parent clubs. There remains a core of solid Championship players at the club and some promising youngsters. The starting XI of the Bluebirds looks good, especially if Ramsey can hit the ground running and keep himself fit. However, there is little strength in depth at the moment which is a concern.

Target


A comfortable mid-table finish with some signs of progression and positivity would do for Cardiff fans. Much depends on whether the Bulut appointment pays off and the impact of Ramsey.