Cardiff were linked with no fewer than 24 players
Wed Sep 08, 2021 10:53 am
Cardiff City were linked with no fewer than 24 players throughout the course of the window, but ended up signing only four.
Cardiff either had no money at all for buying, little money towards loaning a player or it was just paper talk.
By Glen Williams
Wednesday 8th September 2021
Given the sheer volume of players listed below who remained with their current clubs, it's fair to say that the lack of money as we tentatively emerge from the coronavirus pandemic had a big part to play in the transfer dealings – or lack thereof.
Some links were outlandish, as they invariably are during "silly season", while others had bit more substance about them.
Big clubs swooped for some, others dropped down the leagues while one ventured abroad.
Here, we take a look at every player who the Bluebirds were said to be interested in throughout the summer and what happened next for them...
Neco Williams
Was linked with both Cardiff and arch rivals Swansea City this summer. While traditionally a right-back, Williams has shown an ability to play on the left flank for Wales, which meant he could have potentially provided more options in that area for Mick McCarthy.
It was thought at the start of the summer that Liverpool would allow him to leave on loan before a surprising report claimed the Anfield outfit would be willing to sell him for around £10m with a number of Premier League clubs interested.
Both Liverpool and Williams seem to have done a U-turn on that one, though, with the player remaining at Anfield.
Uche Ikpeazu
The ex-Wycombe Wanderers forward also seemed to tick a lot of boxes.
A strong and powerful presence in the final third, he's arguably the sort of target man that's well suited to Mick McCarthy's style of football.
It's understood the Bluebirds took a look at the 26-year-old, however ex-Cardiff boss Neil Warnock swooped in and signed him for Middlesbrough.
Warnock also revealed he had been in touch with Sean Morrison after signing Ikpeazu and the Cardiff captain revealed he thought the Bluebirds should have snapped him up.
M
Freddie Ladapo
Another player Cardiff are understood to have taken a look at throughout the summer. The Rotherham striker reportedly attracted attention from Derby County and Middlesbrough in the summer window.
While there was interest from the Bluebirds, nothing ever materialised and he has remained at the Yorkshire club.
Kyle Lafferty
Cardiff were one of several clubs to have reportedly taken an interest in the veteran forward, who was a free agent in the summer after seeing out his current contract at Kilmarnock.
It always seemed unlikely, though, and the reported interest predictably never translated into a deal.
The Northern Irishman eventually joined Cypriot First Division club Anorthosis Famagusta.
Jonson Clarke-Harris
The Peterborough striker was arguably one of the EFL's top performers last season, having netted 33 goals for his side on the way to promotion to the Championship, and started this season well, too.
Indeed, Aden Flint spoke after the 2-2 draw with Posh to say just how much of a battle he had been in against the forward that evening.
His exploits saw him get linked with a number of sides, including Rangers and CSKA Moscow, but the player's price tag always seemed too high. He might have been one to look at if Kieffer Moore left, but that didn't happen.
He remains with Posh.
Harry Wilson
Cardiff never really felt as though they were in the race to sign Wilson, even if they were keen on bringing him back on loan.
It was probably right for everyone that he found a new home and he did that when Liverpool accepted a £12m bid from Fulham for his services.
That is the sort of money Cardiff simply cannot afford in this current climate. The Wales international started well with the Cottagers, scoring two goals in his three appearances so far, although he did receive a red card in the win over Huddersfield.
Dion Charles
Charles was one of a slew of strikers to have been linked with a move to Cardiff over the summer.
Derby, Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield were all credited with an interest, too.
But nothing ever came at this one and the forward remains with League One Accrington Stanley.
Liam Delap
The highly-rated forward, son of Stoke City player Rory, reportedly caught the attention of a number of Championship clubs, including Cardiff, after his impressive goal return for Manchester City's youth sides last season.
Having recently won the Premier League 2's Player of the Season award, Delap's stock rose quickly and it was thought the next stage of his development would see him venture out into league football for some senior experience.
However, Pep Guardiola's U-turn on that particular decision means he stayed at City. The manager wants him training with the first team every day to further his development, which ultimately left a clutch of Championship clubs disappointed.
Carlos Mendes Gomes
Another target who has also been linked with rivals Swansea, the winger signed off a hugely impressive season last year by netting the winning penalty for Morecambe against Newport County in the League Two play-off final.
He was linked with a number of clubs, but it was Luton Town who won the race for the winger's signature.
He has made just one substitute appearance in the Championship and started the Carabao Cup clash with Stevenage.
Callum Elder
A left-back was seemingly high on the wish list for Cardiff in light of Bennett's departure and, after an impressive season for League One champions Hull City, Elder looked like a potential transfer that could really happen.
But McCarthy stuck by his guns and has entrusted young Joel Bagan to do the lion's share of the work over on that side of defence this season and the manager opted against signing another left back.
The Australia international remains at Hull and is a key part of the squad for the newly-promoted Championship outfit.[flash=][/flash]
Martyn Waghorn
Cardiff were one of several clubs to be credited with an interest in the 31-year-old.
Derby were thought to be locked in talks over a new deal for the forward, given their squad-number problems, but fresh terms could not be agreed and he was let go.
Coventry City ended up signing him.
Ronan Curtis
Cardiff were understood to be one of several Championship sides weighing up a move for the Irishman, along with Blackburn, Derby, Preston and Reading.
He was tipped to leave the south coast club, but manager Danny Cowley insisted he would not depart unless it was for a decent-sized fee.
Money was thin on the ground in the Championship, though, with Mick McCarthy suggesting he could cost as much as £3m, which was way out of City's budget.
As such, he has remained with Pompey. He has played all 90 minutes of Portsmouth's five League One games this season, as well as their Carabao Cup clash with Millwall, but is yet to register a goal nor an assist.
M
Jordan Rhodes
Was a target towards the end of the January window as Cardiff scrambled to find a late replacement for Robert Glatzel, but a deal could not be reached.
He eventually re-signed for former club Huddersfield Town but is yet to open his account.
Josh Windass
Seems to be linked nearly every window with Cardiff and is a target which gets the pulses racing owing to his playmaking abilities.
But the sort of money Sheffield Wednesday wanted was always going to be too much for the Bluebirds, and everyone else, it seems, and he signed a new deal with the Owls.
Recently underwent hamstring surgery and has not played a game this season. Expected to be back in October.
Adam Reach
Cardiff did initially identify Reach as a player who could bolster their options on the left flank. However, after making contact, a deal could not be reached.
The versatile left-sided player, who left Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, ended up signing for West Brom but has featured sparingly thus far.
Sheyi Ojo
Another former Bluebirds loanee who, like Wilson, Cardiff said they were keen to bring back on loan.
That never seemed like a possibility, though, with Liverpool seemingly keen on selling the player permanently.
But Millwall swooped late on in the window to sign the young winger on a season-long loan deal. Given Josh Murphy left on deadline day, leaving the Bluebirds thin on options there, that might just be a missed trick.
Matty James
Reports emerged in June that Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol City were all interested in signing Matty James following his release from Leicester City.
From a Cardiff standpoint, that seemed a little odd give how well-stocked they were in the midfield department.
There never really seemed to be any legs in that link and the Robins were the ones who managed to snap up the free agent. He has played 90 minutes in every game so far for Nigel Pearson's side, including the 2-1 Severnside derby win over the Bluebirds before the international break.
Kyle Hudlin
At 6ft 9ins, Hudlin is thought to be the tallest professional footballer in English football.
Given how impressive Cardiff are from the set piece, it seemed to make sense that they would be linked with the Solihull Moors striker.
It was claimed that Manchester City, Cardiff and Middlesbrough had all kept tabs on the non-League forward, while recently Celtic have registered an interest, according to reports.
But when Mick McCarthy was asked about Cardiff's reported interest, he simply replied: "No."
For the time being, he remains with Solihull. He is yet to score in the National League this season.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
This report came from Stateside and it never really had any legs in it at all as far as Cardiff were concerned, considering the money Tottenham wanted for the centre back.
Cardiff, Newcastle and Fulham were all linked with a move for the former Swansea and Bournemouth defender.
However, Celtic sought a workaround and signed Carter-Vickers on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy next summer.
Corry Evans
Cardiff City and Stoke were mentioned as potential suitors for Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans.
But, again, with so many midfielders already in situ, it never seemed like one that would make it over the line, even if he was a free agent.
The 31-year-old eventually signed for Sunderland and featured twice for them in the first two games, captaining them from both midfield and centre back.
Visar Musliu
Another bizarre transfer link came in the midst of the Euros when North Macedonia defender Visar Musliu was linked with a move to the Welsh capital.
Macedonian outlet Sportmedia claimed that Genoa were leading the race for the 26-year-old, but that Spanish side Real Betis and Cardiff City were both monitoring the situation.
Nothing came of it, though, and he remains a key part of the side for Hungarian top flight with Mol Vidi.
Jack Hunt
Cardiff were reportedly setting their sights on ex-Bristol City defender Jack Hunt, with Blackpool also said to be interested in the 30-year-old right-back.
But he ended up back at his former club Sheffield Wednesday and has been a virtual everpresent for them so far this season in League One.
Marley Watkins
One of the odder transfers of the summer.
Watkins began the summer on trial at Cardiff before Mick McCarthy signed him on a short-term deal until the end of August.
He was eventually told he could leave the club, with Cardiff opting to keep hold of Mark Harris instead, before he joined Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen. He later said the Cardiff chairman "blocked" the move for him to stay on permanently.
He scored two goals in his only appearance for Cardiff — the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Sutton United — and played 26 minutes for Aberdeen against Ross County.
Michael Smith
Another Rotherham striker linked with a move to Cardiff in the last throes of the window.
It seemed as though Smith might have been the one who Cardiff would have gone for if Kieffer Moore was bought by Wolves, however that never transpired.
Millers boss Paul Warne put a £10m price tag on Smith and called him "irreplaceable" when asked about potential interest in his striker.
Fortunately for him, he didn't have to deal with any deadline day drama and Smith stayed put. He has two goals and an assist for the Millers in League One this term.
Cardiff either had no money at all for buying, little money towards loaning a player or it was just paper talk.
By Glen Williams
Wednesday 8th September 2021
Given the sheer volume of players listed below who remained with their current clubs, it's fair to say that the lack of money as we tentatively emerge from the coronavirus pandemic had a big part to play in the transfer dealings – or lack thereof.
Some links were outlandish, as they invariably are during "silly season", while others had bit more substance about them.
Big clubs swooped for some, others dropped down the leagues while one ventured abroad.
Here, we take a look at every player who the Bluebirds were said to be interested in throughout the summer and what happened next for them...
Neco Williams
Was linked with both Cardiff and arch rivals Swansea City this summer. While traditionally a right-back, Williams has shown an ability to play on the left flank for Wales, which meant he could have potentially provided more options in that area for Mick McCarthy.
It was thought at the start of the summer that Liverpool would allow him to leave on loan before a surprising report claimed the Anfield outfit would be willing to sell him for around £10m with a number of Premier League clubs interested.
Both Liverpool and Williams seem to have done a U-turn on that one, though, with the player remaining at Anfield.
Uche Ikpeazu
The ex-Wycombe Wanderers forward also seemed to tick a lot of boxes.
A strong and powerful presence in the final third, he's arguably the sort of target man that's well suited to Mick McCarthy's style of football.
It's understood the Bluebirds took a look at the 26-year-old, however ex-Cardiff boss Neil Warnock swooped in and signed him for Middlesbrough.
Warnock also revealed he had been in touch with Sean Morrison after signing Ikpeazu and the Cardiff captain revealed he thought the Bluebirds should have snapped him up.
M
Freddie Ladapo
Another player Cardiff are understood to have taken a look at throughout the summer. The Rotherham striker reportedly attracted attention from Derby County and Middlesbrough in the summer window.
While there was interest from the Bluebirds, nothing ever materialised and he has remained at the Yorkshire club.
Kyle Lafferty
Cardiff were one of several clubs to have reportedly taken an interest in the veteran forward, who was a free agent in the summer after seeing out his current contract at Kilmarnock.
It always seemed unlikely, though, and the reported interest predictably never translated into a deal.
The Northern Irishman eventually joined Cypriot First Division club Anorthosis Famagusta.
Jonson Clarke-Harris
The Peterborough striker was arguably one of the EFL's top performers last season, having netted 33 goals for his side on the way to promotion to the Championship, and started this season well, too.
Indeed, Aden Flint spoke after the 2-2 draw with Posh to say just how much of a battle he had been in against the forward that evening.
His exploits saw him get linked with a number of sides, including Rangers and CSKA Moscow, but the player's price tag always seemed too high. He might have been one to look at if Kieffer Moore left, but that didn't happen.
He remains with Posh.
Harry Wilson
Cardiff never really felt as though they were in the race to sign Wilson, even if they were keen on bringing him back on loan.
It was probably right for everyone that he found a new home and he did that when Liverpool accepted a £12m bid from Fulham for his services.
That is the sort of money Cardiff simply cannot afford in this current climate. The Wales international started well with the Cottagers, scoring two goals in his three appearances so far, although he did receive a red card in the win over Huddersfield.
Dion Charles
Charles was one of a slew of strikers to have been linked with a move to Cardiff over the summer.
Derby, Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield were all credited with an interest, too.
But nothing ever came at this one and the forward remains with League One Accrington Stanley.
Liam Delap
The highly-rated forward, son of Stoke City player Rory, reportedly caught the attention of a number of Championship clubs, including Cardiff, after his impressive goal return for Manchester City's youth sides last season.
Having recently won the Premier League 2's Player of the Season award, Delap's stock rose quickly and it was thought the next stage of his development would see him venture out into league football for some senior experience.
However, Pep Guardiola's U-turn on that particular decision means he stayed at City. The manager wants him training with the first team every day to further his development, which ultimately left a clutch of Championship clubs disappointed.
Carlos Mendes Gomes
Another target who has also been linked with rivals Swansea, the winger signed off a hugely impressive season last year by netting the winning penalty for Morecambe against Newport County in the League Two play-off final.
He was linked with a number of clubs, but it was Luton Town who won the race for the winger's signature.
He has made just one substitute appearance in the Championship and started the Carabao Cup clash with Stevenage.
Callum Elder
A left-back was seemingly high on the wish list for Cardiff in light of Bennett's departure and, after an impressive season for League One champions Hull City, Elder looked like a potential transfer that could really happen.
But McCarthy stuck by his guns and has entrusted young Joel Bagan to do the lion's share of the work over on that side of defence this season and the manager opted against signing another left back.
The Australia international remains at Hull and is a key part of the squad for the newly-promoted Championship outfit.[flash=][/flash]
Martyn Waghorn
Cardiff were one of several clubs to be credited with an interest in the 31-year-old.
Derby were thought to be locked in talks over a new deal for the forward, given their squad-number problems, but fresh terms could not be agreed and he was let go.
Coventry City ended up signing him.
Ronan Curtis
Cardiff were understood to be one of several Championship sides weighing up a move for the Irishman, along with Blackburn, Derby, Preston and Reading.
He was tipped to leave the south coast club, but manager Danny Cowley insisted he would not depart unless it was for a decent-sized fee.
Money was thin on the ground in the Championship, though, with Mick McCarthy suggesting he could cost as much as £3m, which was way out of City's budget.
As such, he has remained with Pompey. He has played all 90 minutes of Portsmouth's five League One games this season, as well as their Carabao Cup clash with Millwall, but is yet to register a goal nor an assist.
M
Jordan Rhodes
Was a target towards the end of the January window as Cardiff scrambled to find a late replacement for Robert Glatzel, but a deal could not be reached.
He eventually re-signed for former club Huddersfield Town but is yet to open his account.
Josh Windass
Seems to be linked nearly every window with Cardiff and is a target which gets the pulses racing owing to his playmaking abilities.
But the sort of money Sheffield Wednesday wanted was always going to be too much for the Bluebirds, and everyone else, it seems, and he signed a new deal with the Owls.
Recently underwent hamstring surgery and has not played a game this season. Expected to be back in October.
Adam Reach
Cardiff did initially identify Reach as a player who could bolster their options on the left flank. However, after making contact, a deal could not be reached.
The versatile left-sided player, who left Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, ended up signing for West Brom but has featured sparingly thus far.
Sheyi Ojo
Another former Bluebirds loanee who, like Wilson, Cardiff said they were keen to bring back on loan.
That never seemed like a possibility, though, with Liverpool seemingly keen on selling the player permanently.
But Millwall swooped late on in the window to sign the young winger on a season-long loan deal. Given Josh Murphy left on deadline day, leaving the Bluebirds thin on options there, that might just be a missed trick.
Matty James
Reports emerged in June that Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol City were all interested in signing Matty James following his release from Leicester City.
From a Cardiff standpoint, that seemed a little odd give how well-stocked they were in the midfield department.
There never really seemed to be any legs in that link and the Robins were the ones who managed to snap up the free agent. He has played 90 minutes in every game so far for Nigel Pearson's side, including the 2-1 Severnside derby win over the Bluebirds before the international break.
Kyle Hudlin
At 6ft 9ins, Hudlin is thought to be the tallest professional footballer in English football.
Given how impressive Cardiff are from the set piece, it seemed to make sense that they would be linked with the Solihull Moors striker.
It was claimed that Manchester City, Cardiff and Middlesbrough had all kept tabs on the non-League forward, while recently Celtic have registered an interest, according to reports.
But when Mick McCarthy was asked about Cardiff's reported interest, he simply replied: "No."
For the time being, he remains with Solihull. He is yet to score in the National League this season.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
This report came from Stateside and it never really had any legs in it at all as far as Cardiff were concerned, considering the money Tottenham wanted for the centre back.
Cardiff, Newcastle and Fulham were all linked with a move for the former Swansea and Bournemouth defender.
However, Celtic sought a workaround and signed Carter-Vickers on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy next summer.
Corry Evans
Cardiff City and Stoke were mentioned as potential suitors for Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans.
But, again, with so many midfielders already in situ, it never seemed like one that would make it over the line, even if he was a free agent.
The 31-year-old eventually signed for Sunderland and featured twice for them in the first two games, captaining them from both midfield and centre back.
Visar Musliu
Another bizarre transfer link came in the midst of the Euros when North Macedonia defender Visar Musliu was linked with a move to the Welsh capital.
Macedonian outlet Sportmedia claimed that Genoa were leading the race for the 26-year-old, but that Spanish side Real Betis and Cardiff City were both monitoring the situation.
Nothing came of it, though, and he remains a key part of the side for Hungarian top flight with Mol Vidi.
Jack Hunt
Cardiff were reportedly setting their sights on ex-Bristol City defender Jack Hunt, with Blackpool also said to be interested in the 30-year-old right-back.
But he ended up back at his former club Sheffield Wednesday and has been a virtual everpresent for them so far this season in League One.
Marley Watkins
One of the odder transfers of the summer.
Watkins began the summer on trial at Cardiff before Mick McCarthy signed him on a short-term deal until the end of August.
He was eventually told he could leave the club, with Cardiff opting to keep hold of Mark Harris instead, before he joined Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen. He later said the Cardiff chairman "blocked" the move for him to stay on permanently.
He scored two goals in his only appearance for Cardiff — the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Sutton United — and played 26 minutes for Aberdeen against Ross County.
Michael Smith
Another Rotherham striker linked with a move to Cardiff in the last throes of the window.
It seemed as though Smith might have been the one who Cardiff would have gone for if Kieffer Moore was bought by Wolves, however that never transpired.
Millers boss Paul Warne put a £10m price tag on Smith and called him "irreplaceable" when asked about potential interest in his striker.
Fortunately for him, he didn't have to deal with any deadline day drama and Smith stayed put. He has two goals and an assist for the Millers in League One this term.
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Re: Cardiff were linked with no fewer than 24 players
Wed Sep 08, 2021 12:04 pm
Annis, I think we were only interested in Wilson on loan and a striker from the premier. For MM to say that we had plenty in midfield is crazy, don't be surprised to see a midfielder come in if our midfield does not perform.
I genuinely hope that began does well but it is a long season and MM seems to think that we have plenty of cover there as NG and Ralls can play there, but lets hope no more square pegs in round holes, and if we need a left back we will get one. I reserve judgment at the moment that we will do ok with what we have got
Ps Giles was going to play lwb, but he is so good playing up front it will be a big loss to put him back there. I think that is why we did not go for a winger. I just hope Wolves do not recall him in January!
I genuinely hope that began does well but it is a long season and MM seems to think that we have plenty of cover there as NG and Ralls can play there, but lets hope no more square pegs in round holes, and if we need a left back we will get one. I reserve judgment at the moment that we will do ok with what we have got
Ps Giles was going to play lwb, but he is so good playing up front it will be a big loss to put him back there. I think that is why we did not go for a winger. I just hope Wolves do not recall him in January!
Re: Cardiff were linked with no fewer than 24 players
Wed Sep 08, 2021 3:05 pm
Igovernor wrote:Annis, I think we were only interested in Wilson on loan and a striker from the premier. For MM to say that we had plenty in midfield is crazy, don't be surprised to see a midfielder come in if our midfield does not perform.
I genuinely hope that began does well but it is a long season and MM seems to think that we have plenty of cover there as NG and Ralls can play there, but lets hope no more square pegs in round holes, and if we need a left back we will get one. I reserve judgment at the moment that we will do ok with what we have got
Ps Giles was going to play lwb, but he is so good playing up front it will be a big loss to put him back there. I think that is why we did not go for a winger. I just hope Wolves do not recall him in January!
I agree with you Roger as we never had the money.
As to Mick saying he is happy, he is in my opinion keeping his bosses happy.
I hope they don’t recall Giles, but if he continues as he has been, Hmmmmmm?
Re: Cardiff were linked with no fewer than 24 players
Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:37 pm
he does realise that he at worse started some of these outlandish rumours himself...
and at best filled columns talking about them after they appeared elsewhere....
and at best filled columns talking about them after they appeared elsewhere....