WHERE CITY STAND ON GUNNARSSON CONTRACT

Where Cardiff City stand over Aron Gunnarsson's contract offer as Bluebirds receive World Cup cash bonus
By Ian Mitchelmore


Saturday 30th June 2018



Here's everything we know about the Iceman's current situation


Aron Gunnarsson's manic 2017-18 season finally came to an end when Iceland were knocked out of the World Cup this week.

The midfielder will at long last get the chance to put his feet up having featured for his country on the biggest stage, as well as helping fire the Bluebirds into the Premier League last term.

But he is yet to sign fresh terms with the Bluebirds ahead of their return to the top flight.


Here's exactly where Cardiff currently stand over Gunnarsson's contract offer on the final day of his current deal...


What's his current situation?

Gunnarsson is taking a hard-earned rest having played for Iceland at the World Cup in Russia.

However, it's a break that has come too early as far as the Iceman is concerned, as his country finished bottom of Group D with just one point from their three matches.

It does though bring the focus back to Gunnarsson's club career.

He was offered fresh terms — along with winger Junior Hoilett and goalkeeper Brian Murphy — following the Bluebirds' promotion into the Premier League.

But he is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

And given that his current contract with the club expires today (Saturday, June 30), Gunnarsson will officially be a free agent as of July 1.


So will he sign a new deal with Cardiff?

Neil Warnock has already brought in four new recruits this summer while Hoilett and Neil Etheridge have signed new deals with the club.

And despite Gunnarsson's precarious situation, it does not mean he's set for the exit door.

It's understood that negotiations between Cardiff and Gunnarsson are still taking place, with the Bluebirds understandably keen to tie down the man who has served the club with distinction since he moved to South Wales from Coventry City in 2011.

So while it's certainly an unusual situation, a deal could still be signed in July when Gunnarsson would technically be a free agent.


Will other deals impact Gunnarsson's future?

Warnock has already clinched the services of winger Josh Murphy, full-back Greg Cunningham, attacker Bobby Reid and goalkeeper Alex Smithies this summer.

And it's been reported that the Yorkshireman is eyeing up two further additions, one of which is a striker.

But it's expected Warnock will also swoop for a central midfielder, regardless of Gunnarsson's situation.

A prime target is currently Marko Grujic who spent the latter half of the previous campaign on loan with the Bluebirds from Liverpool.

Cardiff have already held talks with Jurgen Klopp's men over a season-long loan deal for the Serbia international.

But there's no doubt Warnock would be eager to have both Grujic and Gunnarsson to select next season.


World Cup bonus

There were concerns over Gunnarsson's fitness following the injury he sustained in the Bluebirds' 2-0 win over Hull City at the KCOM Stadium in the penultimate game of the 2017-18 Championship season.

But the 29-year-old started all three of Iceland's World Cup group matches against Argentina, Nigeria and Croatia, playing the full 90 minutes against the latter.

And as a result of an agreement between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA), the Bluebirds are set to receive a cash bonus due to Gunnarsson's involvement in the tournament.

A figure of $209m (£158m) has been set aside to compensate clubs who have players competing at the World Cup, with sides receiving $8,530 (around £6,460) for every day from two weeks before the beginning of the tournament to the day after their final game that their player is at the tournament.

So in Gunnarsson's case, from two weeks before the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia to the day after Iceland's 2-0 defeat to Croatia, the midfielder spent 28 days away with Iceland.

It means the Bluebirds will land around £180,000 due to Gunnarsson's involvement in the global showpiece.

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Come on Mr Cardiff City, put your pen to paper

Shitting my pants#baited breath

Come on Mr Cardiff City, put your pen to paper

Shitting my pants#baited breath

My gut instinct is that a deal will fall in to place pretty soon.

Come on Mr Cardiff City, put your pen to paper

Shitting my pants#baited breath

Mr Cardiff City you’re surely taking the mick?
I’d rather him not sign tbh

Really not bothered by him signing, always thought he was decent but overrated as a Player. I don't think he is up to it in the Prem and I don't trust warnock to use him as a bit part squad player either.

Really not bothered by him signing, always thought he was decent but overrated as a Player. I don't think he is up to it in the Prem and I don't trust warnock to use him as a bit part squad player either.

THIS ^^^^^^^

Move him on, don’t rate him at all, bores me and overrated, don’t think he cares for City either, Just in it for the money.

Get rid and bring in cover to replace him

Come on Mr Cardiff City, put your pen to paper

Shitting my pants#baited breath

Mr Cardiff City you’re surely taking the mick?
I’d rather him not sign tbh

We know very well what you want but to me he's Mr Cardiff City and that's what matters. Come on Aron sign baby sign

I think our club should set a deadline for gunnars to sign or we move on. If he doesn't stay we. Need 2 Centre mids at least

I’m a big Gunnarsson Fan, But his last year over All has been very disappointing and a mediocre World Cup.

Is he worth a wage increase?

Plus can he do it the Premier League?

I believe Gunnar knows his best days are behind him. The wear and tear of a championship career takes its toll especially when you are as wholehearted as he is.
Warnocks system is not for old and slow legs, football is a young mans game unless you are a physical freak.

We'll never know whats been said between Gunnars and Warnock but i wouldn't mind betting we were a fall back position in case he got injured.
I expect a warmer climate in a less demanding league.

Personally I see a lot of short memories from our fickle fanbase. Is it any wonder he was under his best in the last games for us and the world cup. The guy rushed himself back from injury to try and help us go up and scored a massive goal for us against forest. He then got another major injury probably from the commitment he showed for us and needed an op! It's a miracle he even made the world cup. He was hardly going to be at his best. For me I look at what he was like at the start of the season after a solid preseason and for me, him, Ralls, Hoillet, NML and Zohore were quality. We not only went on a brilliant run we looked strong and solid and played good exciting football in doing it!!

Same with Whits, Bothroyed & Hudson until he turned it round some of our fans just take a dislike to our players and find any excuse they can rip into them.

He's a city legend and even if he was over the hill and should move on the lack of respect for a player who's given what he has for the city is a joke!!

Personally I see a lot of short memories from our fickle fanbase. Is it any wonder he was under his best in the last games for us and the world cup. The guy rushed himself back from injury to try and help us go up and scored a massive goal for us against forest. He then got another major injury probably from the commitment he showed for us and needed an op! It's a miracle he even made the world cup. He was hardly going to be at his best. For me I look at what he was like at the start of the season after a solid preseason and for me, him, Ralls, Hoillet, NML and Zohore were quality. We not only went on a brilliant run we looked strong and solid and played good exciting football in doing it!!

Same with Whits, Bothroyed & Hudson until he turned it round some of our fans just take a dislike to our players and find any excuse they can rip into them.

He's a city legend and even if he was over the hill and should move on the lack of respect for a player who's given what he has for the city is a joke!!

He has been well paid for his service don't worry about that. I don't believe loyalty in football exists or at least not very often anyway. He has been with us for a while and given 100% but so wouldn't knock him for that but I have little doubt if he could have got a better move previously he would have.

For me it's simple do I think he is good enough to start in the Prem and for me it's a huge no.

Would i have him as a squad player yes I think I would but on a reduced contract but then my concern would be warnock playing him at all costs, like you said even when not fit.

I like Gunnars but for me Id rather see him move on because think we can get better!

I like Gunnars but for me Id rather see him move on because think we can get better!

Agree and he believes he is better than he is and we played better without him last year in the championship and really can't see him being a decent premiership player

It's all opinions! For me though next season will be a scrap and his Character is exactly what we will need on occastions. Even if he stays we will still need at least 1 experienced CM. Ive got a feeling Ralls will have a top season!! Like Warnock said the big piece of the jigsaw is that experienced top class striker who can take some of the pressure off the defence!!

Feels totally different to the last time though and I can't wait!! Some of those big boys aren't going to have such an easy ride this time!!

Make him sign then sell him

Come on Mr Cardiff City, put your pen to paper

Shitting my pants#baited breath

Mr Cardiff City wouldn't sign a deal with Cardiff City in case a big offer came in after world cup and he could jump ship for free and get a huge signing on fee.

I don't blame him for seeking money but please don't call himMr Cardiff City.

Gunners is our only player to play in World Cup finals as Captain of his country but is not good enough for Cardiff City!! Some of our supporters are not in the real world,good job Warnock picks our squad?

Gunners is our only player to play in World Cup finals as Captain of his country but is not good enough for Cardiff City!! Some of our supporters are not in the real world,good job Warnock picks our squad?

lol you think him captaining a team ranked several places below Wales in world rankings should be some sort of measure of his abilities to play in the premiership?? Captain of a team who has the smallest pool of players to choose from.
Yep that makes sense.

Gunners is our only player to play in World Cup finals as Captain of his country but is not good enough for Cardiff City!! Some of our supporters are not in the real world,good job Warnock picks our squad?

Should we also sign the Panama, Saudi and Tunisian captain as well then talk about real world

It's all all about opinions and we seem divided on Gunnars. Personally, I think he is part of the teams backbone if you remember his vital and consistant contributions this season ahead of his injury at Christmas. He was immense. We missed him over Christmas and I think that was reflected too in our 'blip'. I was really concerned as he had been key at CDM but thanks to NW, we recovered and did brilliantly. Strength in depth.

Gunnars returned late in the season after another crock and it's going to take game time to get back to where he was. Iceland didn't have a good WC but I watched Gunnars and he was everywhere.

I was also fortunate to watch him at almost every home and away in the PL and he was also good then and carries that experience. And his leadership and fighting presence on the pitch is second to none and that's very important, especially when the chips are down. And it will be a scrap for us in the PL and he's good at that.

I also think that at this stage of his career, he's got the PL which he wanted and at a club where he's more than proved himself and things have gone right for him. And for me anyway he's a fans favourite and enjoys CCFC.

My main concern is his injuries and subsequent recovery rates as he's had three big knocks and combined with the long Championship slots plus international duties will aggregate.

So overall, I really want him to stay as I really think that he still offers so much to the squad in terms of performance & experience. His WC levels showed me he's on to getting back to pre-xmas form which of course is a prerequisite.

It's all all about opinions and we seem divided on Gunnars. Personally, I think he is part of the teams backbone if you remember his vital and consistant contributions this season ahead of his injury at Christmas. He was immense. We missed him over Christmas and I think that was reflected too in our 'blip'. I was really concerned as he had been key at CDM but thanks to NW, we recovered and did brilliantly. Strength in depth.

Gunnars returned late in the season after another crock and it's going to take game time to get back to where he was. Iceland didn't have a good WC but I watched Gunnars and he was everywhere.

I was also fortunate to watch him at almost every home and away in the PL and he was also good then and carries that experience. And his leadership and fighting presence on the pitch is second to none and that's very important, especially when the chips are down. And it will be a scrap for us in the PL and he's good at that.

I also think that at this stage of his career, he's got the PL which he wanted and at a club where he's more than proved himself and things have gone right for him. And for me anyway he's a fans favourite and enjoys CCFC.

My main concern is his injuries and subsequent recovery rates as he's had three big knocks and combined with the long Championship slots plus international duties will aggregate.

So overall, I really want him to stay as I really think that he still offers so much to the squad in terms of performance & experience. His WC levels showed me he's on to getting back to pre-xmas form which of course is a prerequisite.

The end of your post says it for me, he played less than half our games last season.....that to me says fitness Now given his age will be a problem and he didn't massively contribute to our promotion....we won 27 games gunnarsson played in 12 of them.

It's all all about opinions and we seem divided on Gunnars. Personally, I think he is part of the teams backbone if you remember his vital and consistant contributions this season ahead of his injury at Christmas. He was immense. We missed him over Christmas and I think that was reflected too in our 'blip'. I was really concerned as he had been key at CDM but thanks to NW, we recovered and did brilliantly. Strength in depth.

Gunnars returned late in the season after another crock and it's going to take game time to get back to where he was. Iceland didn't have a good WC but I watched Gunnars and he was everywhere.

I was also fortunate to watch him at almost every home and away in the PL and he was also good then and carries that experience. And his leadership and fighting presence on the pitch is second to none and that's very important, especially when the chips are down. And it will be a scrap for us in the PL and he's good at that.

I also think that at this stage of his career, he's got the PL which he wanted and at a club where he's more than proved himself and things have gone right for him. And for me anyway he's a fans favourite and enjoys CCFC.

My main concern is his injuries and subsequent recovery rates as he's had three big knocks and combined with the long Championship slots plus international duties will aggregate.

So overall, I really want him to stay as I really think that he still offers so much to the squad in terms of performance & experience. His WC levels showed me he's on to getting back to pre-xmas form which of course is a prerequisite.

The end of your post says it for me, he played less than half our games last season.....that to me says fitness Now given his age will be a problem and he didn't massively contribute to our promotion....we won 27 games gunnarsson played in 12 of them.

Says it all.

Come on Mr Cardiff City, put your pen to paper

Shitting my pants#baited breath

Mr Cardiff City wouldn't sign a deal with Cardiff City in case a big offer came in after world cup and he could jump ship for free and get a huge signing on fee.

I don't blame him for seeking money but please don't call himMr Cardiff City.

I agree and the Mr. Cardiff City is embarrassing.
His best days are well behind him and now he’s slow and not good enough. I hope he doesn’t sign but can’t see him getting a better offer.

If he stays he will only be a squad player at best. We both need to move on
Good luck whereverer you end up Aron

Let me get this straight, so we went up by 2 points and Gunner played in 12 games where we gained 36 points and he hardly had an influence on our season!! You couldn't make this up!!

The guys 29 not 39!! Ok he was unlucky with injuries last season it happens to most pros!! Are you not forgetting it was only 1 year ago he played nearly every game for us under Warnock and won player of the year!! 2 years ago he Captained Iceland to the 1/4 finals.

If he hadn't scored against Forest we wouldn't have gone up there's a direct influence on our season for you!! He also played a big role in our great start to the season another big influence!! Not that I know but being a captain and leader I'd Imagine he's good around the dressing room as well!! I really do hope he stays now as I reckon there will be a few people eating humble pie!!

Right now he is unemployed

Don’t really want him to stay. Although we got the results needed, our performances deteriorated when he came back.

It was public in the middle of the season when he basically said he’d only consider staying if we went up - thought that was disrespectful to say it mid-season.

I think he thought he’d have offers from all over the place after the World Cup, but he didn’t really perform like he did in the Euros.

Maybe he can make some good money in another country but in a far less quality league, which I think would be the better option because he’s nowhere near Premier League standard in my opinion.

Let me get this straight, so we went up by 2 points and Gunner played in 12 games where we gained 36 points and he hardly had an influence on our season!! You couldn't make this up!!

The guys 29 not 39!! Ok he was unlucky with injuries last season it happens to most pros!! Are you not forgetting it was only 1 year ago he played nearly every game for us under Warnock and won player of the year!! 2 years ago he Captained Iceland to the 1/4 finals.

If he hadn't scored against Forest we wouldn't have gone up there's a direct influence on our season for you!! He also played a big role in our great start to the season another big influence!! Not that I know but being a captain and leader I'd Imagine he's good around the dressing room as well!! I really do hope he stays now as I reckon there will be a few people eating humble pie!!

So he is the sole reason we went up for that goal, I can't even start to debate it what about the fact he failed to close down Grealish v Villa cost us the game? This is tit for tat tho, watching the games it was clear he was lost at championship level.


How do you know if he hadn't played Grujic or another wouldn't have got 2

Lots of lower championship players had their clubs player of the season does that mean they are premiership level?

And you guess he is good on the dressing room based on nothing.