' THE PLAYERS MICK McCARTHY IS LOOKING TO BRING IN THIS SUMM

' THE PLAYERS MICK McCARTHY IS LOOKING TO BRING IN THIS SUMMER ? '



By Glen Williams

Monday 26th May 2021




' Striker - '

Since McCarthy took charge of Cardiff City, the club have been linked with no fewer than six strikers. While all reports cannot be believed, there is certainly no smoke without a fire. McCarthy has confirmed Glatzel will leave, while it appears unlikely both of Harris and Watters will be here next term, so there is an opening for one, potentially two, strikers in the summer window. Depending on how much they get for Glatzel, that could shape the type of forward they look to land. But to play the type of football McCarthy is looking to implement, they need to be physical and act as target men, like Wycombe's Uche Ikpeazu or, dare we say it, Sheffield Wednesday's Callum Paterson. Here are the strikers who have been linked so far:

Cameron Jerome
Jordan Rhodes
Dion Charles
Joshua Kayode
Jonson Clarke-Harris
Carlos Mendes Gomes




' Playmaker - '

With Harry Wilson set to leave and Jonny Williams and Lee Tomlin's futures both up in the air, Cardiff must ensure they are not in want of creativity in the middle of the park. Although McCarthy's brand of football perhaps does not utilise the playmaker as strongly as other systems, but every squad needs that spark and ingenuity to pick gips and unlock defences. A Premier League loan, such as we saw with Wilson, might be what is needed here, especially as Rubin Colwill gets to grips with life in the Championship next season.





' Central midfielder - '

A big one for many and it's tough to disagree. Will Vaulks, Marlon Pack and Joe Ralls are the three fighting for two spots in the middle of the park and, thankfully, injuries have been few and far between among all three of them. But it is a long old season and there are periods in which players go through lean patches, especially given the ground they need to cover in that position. A central midfielder, potentially one who is more forward-thinking, might just add something a little different in that department. We looked at three potential free agents who could fit the bill right here.







' Winger - '

And, lastly, a winger. It was telling that McCarthy opted for a slight change in shape on Saturday, a 5-2-3, with two wingers flanking Kieffer Moore, a welcome change-up in shape which paid dividends. Similarly to the above, it's good to have options throughout the course of the season and while McCarthy's preferred system is two strikers with a playmaker in behind, there are times when wingers are needed. Hoilett looks to be out the door, Sheyi Ojo is heading back to Liverpool and there is always that question mark surrounding Josh Murphy when a transfer window looms. A winger, perhaps even two, will likely be on the agenda this summer.