WHAT CITY FANS CAN EXPECT IN THE JANUARY WINDOW

We take a look at what could be a busy January transfer window for Bluebirds boss Neil Harris
By Paul Abbandonato


Cardiff City haven't hit the ground running in the January transfer window, as manager Neil Harris continues to assess his options.

But the 6-1 New Year's Day hammering at the hands of Queens Park Rangers, one of the worst displays in the club's proud history, has simply reinforced the need for Harris to act.

He inherited a bumper squad from Neil Warnock, one that contains plenty of talented players, but it is also lopsided. There are too many ineffective strikers, arguably too many goalkeepers, not enough pace in the side and a lack of dynamism in the midfield.

These are the among the things Harris will be weighing up as he contemplates ins and outs from Cardiff City Stadium in the coming days and weeks.


Money to spend

There is a suggestion Harris is being restricted to bringing in loan players - and if he is indeed limited to that, they need to be of sufficient quality to walk straight into the starting XI.

However, I'm told Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan is, in fact, prepared to dip into his deep pockets yet again to sign the right players for a top six drive, if Harris identifies value for money acquisitions.

Having been stung with the millions spent on the likes of Andreas Cornelius, Gary Madine, Aden Flint, who in the view of many fans has yet to justify his £6m fee, plus the likes of Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid, you could forgive Tan for being somewhat wary about writing any more big money cheques.

But if it takes paying bumper transfer deals to land the men who can revive Cardiff's season and get them back into the promotion mix, then pay the money Tan will.

If Harris feels he can get by on loans, then Cardiff will embark down that route. But the option to spend money is there.

Either way the budgets need to be balanced, with Cardiff prepared to get a number of players off their books.


The priority areas

A winger

This has suddenly shot to the top of Harris' in-tray for a variety of reasons.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Cardiff's most threatening wide-man this season, has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury. That is a colossal blow for the Bluebirds, who will sorely miss his pace, power and direct running in the final third of the pitch where, Lee Tomlin's magic aside, they have looked uncreative.


Josh Murphy, at £11m, should be tearing up this division. He and Reid were two of the main reasons why Warnock felt this squad could prove better than the one that went up under him in the Championship. Yet Reid was sold and Murphy hasn't been picked at times in the league and there are fears he could also depart this month.

Junior Hoilett clearly oozes class, but isn't going past full-backs as readily as last time at this level when he proved one of the finest players in the league.

Gavin Whyte came from Oxford United. While he has promise at 23, he isn't going to terrorise defenders yet at this level.


Harris himself has stressed the need for more threat in the final third of the pitch. That makes a tricky, fast, creative and preferably goal-getting winger his number one priority.

If he has to pay for the right man, then pay he should because Cardiff need that type of player who will get the fans on the edge of their seats.

If it's a loan, so be it. Look at what Harry Wilson did with Derby last season.


A striker

Cardiff aren't exactly short of options up front, with Robert Glatzel, Gary Madine, Danny Ward, Omar Bogle and Isaac Vassell on the books. But none of them have put down an undisputed marker to be number one.

In fact, Callum Paterson has previously proven a more effective centre-forward - and he, too, remains an option, although Harris has yet to try him there.

You just sense it could suddenly happen and explode with Glatzel, who undoubtedly has goal talent. But Warnock didn't use him correctly and Harris is still trying to work out the best method.

Harris appeared to like Madine, but many fans feel it is time the Bluebirds cut their £6m losses on this one. It was a surprise Madine didn't make the cut for the FA Cup draw with Carlisle, when Harris picked his fringe players, and that may be telling in terms of movement this January.

We will see.


Ward looks more effective as a substitute than a starter, Bogle has been sidelined, we've barely seen Vassell.

Glatzel clearly has to stay and be afforded more of an opportunity, but Harris may look to cash in on some of the others and with his own contacts seek to land the kind of goalscoring centre-forward the Bluebirds have coveted since the days of Jay Bothroyd.


But the one can't go without the other. The books need to be balanced and the Bluebirds already have too many under-performing strikers.

Again, landing the right man in this position will cost, but it's money Tan is ready to pay.

Over to Harris. Can he find that player?


Left-back cover

Joe Bennett will remain first choice under Harris, and rightly so, but there is a lack of quality back-up.

Harris could look to sign a loan player as cover and wouldn't need to spend big in this area.


Midfield

Whether it's down to tactics or personnel, Cardiff evidently have a problem in controlling games in the engine room.

Marlon Pack clearly has ability, but you just sense there is so much more to come from him. Joe Ralls has been injured, Leandro Bacuna has filled in gamely, Will Vaulks hasn't been used much.

Harris may deem he has enough with those four, but the team is crying out for someone with creativity, quality, dynamism and preferably a bit of pace in this area.

It's not high on Harris' to-do list, but if Sunday's Welsh derby against Swansea City goes wrong, he may feel it's something he simply has to address before the January 31 window closes.

Harris could be forgiven for wanting his own type of midfielder.

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Anybody who thinks Josh Murphy is all of a sudden going to be our saviour must be on something.
He’s had chance after chance never delivers and has no balls what so ever. If we can get anything that can be re invested I would take it no matter what the loss ends up being.
As a fan all I ask is to see the players giving 100% not 10.
Recruitment wise we need to show ambition and give the team and fans a lift and believe we can still make a push for promotion.
I would look to bring Camarasa back and either Dwight Gale or Glen Murray. A winger fullback and who knows.

What we expect and what we actually get are two completely different things.
I’m not holding my breath at the moment.

Anybody who thinks Josh Murphy is all of a sudden going to be our saviour must be on something.
He’s had chance after chance never delivers and has no balls what so ever. If we can get anything that can be re invested I would take it no matter what the loss ends up being.
As a fan all I ask is to see the players giving 100% not 10.
Recruitment wise we need to show ambition and give the team and fans a lift and believe we can still make a push for promotion.
I would look to bring Camarasa back and either Dwight Gale or Glen Murray. A winger fullback and who knows.

sell murphy bring in that chaplin from Barnsley

Anybody who thinks Josh Murphy is all of a sudden going to be our saviour must be on something.
He’s had chance after chance never delivers and has no balls what so ever. If we can get anything that can be re invested I would take it no matter what the loss ends up being.
As a fan all I ask is to see the players giving 100% not 10.
Recruitment wise we need to show ambition and give the team and fans a lift and believe we can still make a push for promotion.
I would look to bring Camarasa back and either Dwight Gale or Glen Murray. A winger fullback and who knows.

Getting Victor Camarasa back should be a priority, we have really missed him.

Camerasa is on 65k a week at palace do you honestly think we are going to get any loans in or spend money in January I dont

Scrap our wingers sell Murphy play a 442 diamond been saying it for a while we suit a diamond Tomlin 10 pack in fron of back 4 ralls bacuna central

Loans
RB neco Williams from liverpool
Brewster striker/winger liverpool
Che Adam's striker
Smith Rowe striker number 10 arsenal
Eddie striker was on loan at leeds from arsenal has been recalled
Curtis jones number 10 liverpool
Jack Clarke from spurs winger
Success striker or wide from Watford
Glenn Murray brighton

Free transfer
Player from Bordeaux CM we were linked with in the summer
Jordan mutch

Few good young hungry players out there, hopefully hes got a good list of players lined up.

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

Why should tan give managers more money after the amount spent on players that have not performed, only players I can think if that have cost over 5 mill that have performed I'd say were caulker and maybe medel, so I dont blame tan at all!!!!!!

I agree This is a huge problem for us, and fans still moan bout tan not spending cos our fans think we can just chuck money at everything and not worry bout financial fair play

But the club will have to accept massive loses on;
madine by paying over half his wages and loan him out,
same with bogle,
just release Connolly
May get a few quid for ward
I'd sell Etheridge if we get 8m plus
Take 2 or 3 for smithies
Murphy 8m plus or loan to buy
Loan out coxe and ciaran brown hopefully come back better next season.

Looking at getting rid of 5-6 players this window hoping we bring in 4 or 5 max

Camerasa is on 65k a week at palace do you honestly think we are going to get any loans in or spend money in January I dont

How is it known he is on £65k a week please? I wish I had the source for the salary info quoted. Please share

Camarasa £65k per week = £1.6m over 26 weeks

Probably a better investment than a new signing who may or may not work.

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

Smithies 30k a week u sure that seems a bit high

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

Why should tan give managers more money after the amount spent on players that have not performed, only players I can think if that have cost over 5 mill that have performed I'd say were caulker and maybe medel, so I dont blame tan at all!!!!!!

I agree This is a huge problem for us, and fans still moan bout tan not spending cos our fans think we can just chuck money at everything and not worry bout financial fair play

But the club will have to accept massive loses on;
madine by paying over half his wages and loan him out,
same with bogle,
just release Connolly
May get a few quid for ward
I'd sell Etheridge if we get 8m plus
Take 2 or 3 for smithies
Murphy 8m plus or loan to buy
Loan out coxe and ciaran brown hopefully come back better next season.

Looking at getting rid of 5-6 players this window hoping we bring in 4 or 5 max

I'd sell Etheridge all day long and keep smithies selling the 2 of em be crazy

Camarasa £65k per week = £1.6m over 26 weeks

Probably a better investment than a new signing who may or may not work.

He’s not going to come here

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

Why should tan give managers more money after the amount spent on players that have not performed, only players I can think if that have cost over 5 mill that have performed I'd say were caulker and maybe medel, so I dont blame tan at all!!!!!!

I agree This is a huge problem for us, and fans still moan bout tan not spending cos our fans think we can just chuck money at everything and not worry bout financial fair play

But the club will have to accept massive loses on;
madine by paying over half his wages and loan him out,
same with bogle,
just release Connolly
May get a few quid for ward
I'd sell Etheridge if we get 8m plus
Take 2 or 3 for smithies
Murphy 8m plus or loan to buy
Loan out coxe and ciaran brown hopefully come back better next season.

Looking at getting rid of 5-6 players this window hoping we bring in 4 or 5 max

I'd sell Etheridge all day long and keep smithies selling the 2 of em be crazy

Someone's been on the good stuff if £8 million for Etheridge and Murphy bandied about. Etheridge isn't going anywhere better than us because his distribution let's him down. If we hadn't paid all that money for Murphy I doubt we would be thinking he is worth any more than Whyte.

Camarasa £65k per week = £1.6m over 26 weeks

Probably a better investment than a new signing who may or may not work.

He’s not going to come here

No way whatsoever Camarasa going to come back here.

The only thing we've been trained to expect from the people within the club who run our recruitment is disappointment unfortunately. The fans are repeatedly underwhelmed.

I would expect very little activity in and out at a time when our squad needs evolving desperately.

The only thing we've been trained to expect from the people within the club who run our recruitment is disappointment unfortunately. The fans are repeatedly underwhelmed.

I would expect very little activity in and out at a time when our squad needs evolving desperately.

^^^ This!

I have just read that Preston are in discussions about taking Dwight gale on loan surely this is the type of player we should pursue?,also read that Chelsea want all of danny drinkwater salary (110k ) paid,if he goes on loan just shows how expensive loaning certain players has become!!

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

Smithies 30k a week u sure that seems a bit high

I was told this when warnock signed him , look on the net you will find confirmation, it’s even on bloody football manager video game.if true, Our club is pissing nearly 1.5 million per annum on a reserve keeper, and Warnock is a legend I hear!!!! We deserve better, it’s an absolute travesty and gross mismanagement. Add to that Reid, Murphy, Flint and Madines ridiculous fees, don’t criticise Tan for not providing funds when we need them most, if Smithies wage is true, I blame Neil Warnock, he blew Tans lot.
https://sillyseason.com/salary/cardiff- ... es-125763/

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

Completely agree

I have just read that Preston are in discussions about taking Dwight gale on loan surely this is the type of player we should pursue?,also read that Chelsea want all of danny drinkwater salary (110k ) paid,if he goes on loan just shows how expensive loaning certain players has become!!

Its all very well reading it but it does not mean that it is going to happen. How Chelsea can think that going to happen is beyond me.

We have to move players out first, Tan, Dalman, Choo probably instructed Harris to do this, who knows this may have put off other candidates for the job. Then maybe, if Harris can justify and put together a case for a signing which represents value for money and possible future profit as a sell on, then maybe Tan will invest, but this means a league 1 or Scottish premier player, or once again a European lower league player. Warnocks absolutely ridiculous and reckless transfer dealings has ruined it for this and maybe future managers under Tans ownership. Ole and Malky guilty of this also.

Reid, Madine, Flint, Murphy 34 million in fees.
Smithies reserve keeper, on 30k!

Why some of our fans call Warnock a legend beggars belief. It is entirely his fault, that we have this poor squad for Harris to work with and that the poor chap can't spend any money to put it right. Unlike Warnock who wasted millions.

So yes free transfers and loans, we are not that attractive at the moment, we may get turned down by our targets, and also, who is going to take Harris' unwanted players on with the wages they earn?????? And more importantly the form they have been in this season.

I never wanted Harris, I fear the worst for him, but considering all the above its like he is on a hiding to nothing

Smithies 30k a week u sure that seems a bit high

I was told this when warnock signed him , look on the net you will find confirmation, it’s even on bloody football manager video game.if true, Our club is pissing nearly 1.5 million per annum on a reserve keeper, and Warnock is a legend I hear!!!! We deserve better, it’s an absolute travesty and gross mismanagement. Add to that Reid, Murphy, Flint and Madines ridiculous fees, don’t criticise Tan for not providing funds when we need them most, if Smithies wage is true, I blame Neil Warnock, he blew Tans lot.
https://sillyseason.com/salary/cardiff- ... es-125763/

Completely agree with that too. Sir Neils legacy will be with us for some time

I have just read that Preston are in discussions about taking Dwight gale on loan surely this is the type of player we should pursue?,also read that Chelsea want all of danny drinkwater salary (110k ) paid,if he goes on loan just shows how expensive loaning certain players has become!!

Isn’t Danny Drinkwater already out on loan to Burnley?

I have just read that Preston are in discussions about taking Dwight gale on loan surely this is the type of player we should pursue?,also read that Chelsea want all of danny drinkwater salary (110k ) paid,if he goes on loan just shows how expensive loaning certain players has become!!

Isn’t Danny Drinkwater already out on loan to Burnley?

I think he's been sent back as not playing

I have just read that Preston are in discussions about taking Dwight gale on loan surely this is the type of player we should pursue?,also read that Chelsea want all of danny drinkwater salary (110k ) paid,if he goes on loan just shows how expensive loaning certain players has become!!

Its all very well reading it but it does not mean that it is going to happen. How Chelsea can think that going to happen is beyond me.

It was put out by Chelsea! That's how I read it,I was just stating that that's what they want to happen,I agree not likely to be taken up on them terms,so he will rot in the reserves there! Not very sensible thing to do? They obviously expect a top prem to come in for him,or a top side from abroad.

I have just read that Preston are in discussions about taking Dwight gale on loan surely this is the type of player we should pursue?,also read that Chelsea want all of danny drinkwater salary (110k ) paid,if he goes on loan just shows how expensive loaning certain players has become!!

Isn’t Danny Drinkwater already out on loan to Burnley?

he only played the once for Burnley so returned to Chelsea..and yep they are angling for Villa to pay the full 110k...


every single time I read one of these REAL WORLD articles makes me think of the sillies on here bleating about 2 mill wasted..

I have just read that Preston are in discussions about taking Dwight gale on loan surely this is the type of player we should pursue?,also read that Chelsea want all of danny drinkwater salary (110k ) paid,if he goes on loan just shows how expensive loaning certain players has become!!

Isn’t Danny Drinkwater already out on loan to Burnley?

he only played the once for Burnley so returned to Chelsea..and yep they are angling for Villa to pay the full 110k...


every single time I read one of these REAL WORLD articles makes me think of the sillies on here bleating about 2 mill wasted..

Crikey 2 million is a drop in the ocean to you? Harris wouldn’t mind that to spend I’m sure, a mentality like that got Hammam and us into all sorts of bother. Seen us lose a bucketload on Cornelius, waste more on Kenwyne and Connolly etc Warnock apparently giving Smithies 30k a week to sit on the bench, And expect those on the pitch to go into battle on half his wages and then you name call those of us who want our club to start being wiser with our funds. Bleating? Silly?

I see the Swans are making moves in the loan market already, i really like to see some young hungry loans come in.

I see the Swans are making moves in the loan market already, i really like to see some young hungry loans come in.

Good shout