Cardiff City supporters have been eagerly watching the club’s summer signings, and for good reason.
After dealing with a partial transfer embargo last summer that limited them to free agents and loan deals, and then needing to adjust plans in January to comply with the EFL’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules, Cardiff now has a clear path to strengthen their squad without restrictions. With funds available for manager Erol Bulut following his contract extension, the Bluebirds have already made smart moves in the free transfer market by signing Chris Willock and Calum Chambers. Fans are optimistic that these signings signal a major summer overhaul aimed at a play-off push next season.
Cardiff still needs reinforcements in several key areas, including two strikers to boost their attacking power, fresh midfield options to control games, another winger, and more depth in the full-back positions. However, it’s important to remember that adhering to PSR regulations also requires player sales to generate revenue, which will be crucial for their transfer plans.
Ebou Adams and Andy Rinomhota set for Cardiff City exits
Every summer, Cardiff faces the challenge of offloading excess squad members. While the number of peripheral players has decreased compared to previous years, Ebou Adams and Andy Rinomhota remain on the fringes. Both joined Cardiff in the summer of 2022, but Adams missed his first season due to a pre-season pectoral injury, and Rinomhota, who was initially a promising addition from Reading, made 39 Championship appearances.
By the time Adams was fit to play, Cardiff had gone through three managers, and Bulut did not favor him, leading to his loan move to Derby County in January. Adams thrived at Pride Park, helping them to promotion from League One, and is now set to join Derby permanently for just under £1 million. In contrast, Rinomhota’s loan to Rotherham United was less successful, as he became part of a team that was relegated.
With Rinomhota’s contract expiring next summer, his departure seemed inevitable, especially after Darren Witcoop revealed interest from Birmingham City and other clubs.
Ebou Adams, Andy Rinomhota transfer updates are positive for Cardiff City
The departures of Adams and Rinomhota will free up crucial funds for Bulut to reinvest before the transfer window closes, a significant positive given the additional squad improvements needed for a top-six challenge. These exits will also open up opportunities for academy graduate Eli King, who had a productive loan spell last season.
Cardiff has already moved on from Romaine Sawyers, a valuable off-field presence but less so on the pitch. The decisions to part with Adams and Rinomhota reflect a new, assertive approach from the club, prioritizing homegrown talent and eliminating deadwood. This strategy will save on wages, bring in transfer fees to reinvest, and likely add to the current wave of positivity among supporters.