As Cardiff approach another summer with one arm tied behind their backs, they’re left once again with no option but to operate in the super-competitive free agent and loan markets.
Last year, Steve Morison had a plan and executed it. This year, Cardiff don’t yet have a manager beyond tomorrow, so any potential plans remain purely hypothetical and nothing happens until Sabri Lamouchi’s fate is sealed. The clock is already ticking and can’t afford to be left empty handed. Both literally and figuratively.
Lamouchi is likely to work his European contacts, so may have interesting avenues to explore, but in terms of the EFL-based players that may fit Cardiff’s parameters, here are a few of the more intriguing ones.
Jack Stacey
Possibly the most appealing of all the attainable, soon to be free agents. Jack Stacey has been promoted from every division in the Football League and joined Bournemouth from Luton for £4m in 2019. Having just turned 27, Stacey is a rock-solid right back who has proven a model of consistency. He is also a model citizen, taking time out to assist homeless charities in the Bournemouth area. Maybe not the flashiest name on many wishlists, Stacey is a fierce competitor and will prove an excellent addition for his next club.
Josh Key and Archie Collins
The next Perry Ng and Ryan Wintle? Plenty of clubs will have designs on Exeter City academy graduates Key and Collins. Both have been offered contract extensions by the Grecians, but both look set to depart. Having racked up close to 400 appearances between them, they have vast experience of League One and look ready to make the step up. Like Stacey, 23-year-old Key (pictured) is a full back by trade, but can play anywhere on the right and Cardiff, along with Luton and Swansea, have already been linked. Collins, also 23, is adept as both a central midfelder and also in a deeper role. Should they soon depart Devon, these are exactly the sort of players Cardiff should be pursuing.
Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite
Another dynamic duo to consider, albeit a less likely and far more expensive pair. With Reading relegated to League One, in place of Cardiff, if they choose to really rub it in, they could look to nab either or both Joao (pictured) and Meite. Joao, who will turn 30 at the start of next season, was briefly linked with a bizarre move to a desperate Everton in January, so maybe his sights will be trained higher, but since joining from Sheffield Wednesday in 2019, Joao has averaged almost a goal every other game and is proven in the second tier.
Meite has already been linked with Standard Liege and like Joao, can play anywhere across a front three, but is primarily a left winger. Both are also north of six foot, which would be a bonus, but have struggled with injuries in recent years, which would be a cause for concern. With Bradley Dack also available, Cardiff may be forced to consider restoration projects, but will still be scarred by Lee Tomlin’s injury-plagued time at the club.
Jay Dasilva
Free agents tend to be more towards the tail end of their career, so players of Jay Dasilva’s age and calibre will be in fierce demand. Bristol City quota jokes aside, the diminutive, five foot five Dasilva could, and maybe should be the latest to cross the bridge. A tenacious left back who just turned 25, he would solidify a problem area for Cardiff this season, having nearly joined Coventry in January. He is believed to be one of Bristol City’s higher earners since joining from Chelsea in 2019 and may be seen as expendable as a result.
Ben Osborn
Osborn has often been Sheffield United’s jack of all trades, playing as a left back, wing back on both flanks and central midfielder, so is akin to Callum O’Dowda in many respects. It feels like the Blades may have outgrown the 28-year-old though, having been promoted to the Premier League and at this stage of his career, Osborn needs to be playing more than he has in recent seasons. Having signed a year extension last year, he will definitely depart and likely bring plenty of experience and tenacity to a Championship club near you soon.