Cardiff City transfer bulletin as new winger linked and ideal scenario given
The first week of Cardiff City's crucial January transfer window has already flown by and, so far, there is little to show for it.
Roko Simic and teenage left-back Josh Beecher have returned from their loans at KV Kortrijk and Barry Town United respectively, while centre-back Ryotaro Tsunoda has headed back out to Belgium to link up with KVK for his second loan stint there.
Cardiff are working hard on incomings — although quietly patience has been urged — and are targeting the top end of the pitch. At least one winger, at least one striker and a creative player are all on the priority list.
READ MORE: Cardiff City player exit officially confirmed after 'toughest year of his life'
A number of wingers have been linked with the Bluebirds in recent days. Peterborough's lightning-fast wide man Ricky-Jade Jones is someone understood to be on Cardiff's radar, as reported by Football League World. At this stage, WalesOnline understands a deal is unlikely.
Sources indicate loan moves appear a more credible option in this window simply owing to the short-term nature of the project at Cardiff currently. Omer Riza has been given the reins until the end of the campaign, however players seeking permanent new homes are wanting more assurances over what the long-term plan looks like.
As fans will know, finding out exactly what that long-term plan is has been hard to come by in recent years. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
With regards to loans, a list of players, including those in the Premier League, have been drawn up and Cardiff have held talks with top-flight clubs with regards to taking their players. Jayden Danns of Liverpool is a name which has been floated, but has been played down to WalesOnline amid stiff competition for his signature, while Malcolm Ebiowei, who was recently recalled from his loan at Oxford United, of Crystal Palace was also a name which appeared on a longlist of targets before the window opened.
No incomings are imminent at this stage, however, but conversations are taking place. That typically changes after FA Cup week, with top-flight teams likely to field more of their younger and fringe players.
One source has indicated that a window akin to the one Steve Morison oversaw, which saw the likes of Cody Drameh, Tommy Doyle and Jordan Hugill brought in on loan, would be ideal to get Cardiff out of this current predicament.
And that looks the more likely route this month. January is a tricky month in which to trade at the best of times, but when you're last-but-one in the Championship, your task becomes more difficult.
WHATSAPP: Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
It has not been lost on the Cardiff top brass that this summer sees a dozen players' contracts expire and the need for shaping the club's long-term future is rapidly coming upon us. Strong leadership and bold decision-making has been called for by those within the club, as yet another summer reset looms, in order to break the cycle.
One avenue which might offer encouragement is Riza's previous role working within the England youth setup. We saw Steve Cooper, the former England under-16s and under-17s manager, tap into his rolodex while he was at Swansea, bringing in the likes of Marc Guehi, Rhian Brewster and Conor Gallagher to help bolster his squad.
Riza was assistant coach of England under-17s between 2019 and 2023 and has helped coax through some of the brightest young talents, many of whom are now plying their trade with Premier League clubs. It has been suggested that could be an avenue Cardiff look to pursue this month.
